The rules of the game, by show’s experts in their field

Chefs from across Yorkshire will be sharing the secrets of their kitchens when they take to the stage at England’s premier agricultural event, the Great Yorkshire Show.

Since the Game Cookery Theatre was introduced to the countryside extravaganza, it has proved a huge draw for visitors. This year’s show will be the 153rd and runs from Tuesday July 12 – Thursday July 14 at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.

And it is sure to be standing room only in the theatre when a series of well-known chefs from across the region demonstrate their skills – and share their favourite recipes – live on stage.

Stephanie Moon, chef consultant at Rudding Park, and Game Cookery Theatre co-ordinator, said: “I am hugely excited about what is happening in the Game Cookery Theatre this year. The line-up of both experienced chefs and up-and-coming talent is the best it has ever been and I am sure visitors to the Great Yorkshire Show will be inspired to try out some of the wonderful game recipes at home,” she said.

“We will be celebrating Yorkshire game and the best of Yorkshire’s produce. All the chefs taking part are passionate about the food they are preparing, and passionate about cooking. It is going to be a great three days,” she said.

Making a return will be celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager, running twice-daily master classes using rabbit and venison. “It is fantastic to be back for the third year running and to see all the wonderful things at the Great Yorkshire Show,” said Rosemary.

She will be joined on stage by ferreter Simon Whitehead and Ian Donaldson of the British Deer Association.

Fodder, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s regional food shop and café, will be kicking off the three days of demonstrations when head chef Paul Nicholson will be butchering a venison carcass and creating a signature dish.

New to the programme is 17-year-old Josh Angel, who is based in Wakefield and runs a successful events catering company.

He will be delighting visitors and getting the taste buds working overtime with his recipe for a Taylors of Harrogate Tea Smoked Pigeon and Pontefract Liquorice Cake jus.

Other chefs making their debut include Matthew Lockwood of Lockwoods Restaurant in Ripon, who will be showcasing his home-cured Wild Boar Bresaola and Dan Birk, head chef of the Michelin-starred Box Tree restaurant at Ilkley.

Providing support throughout the three days will be tutors and students from Leeds City College, who will be working backstage to ensure the Game Cookery Theatre’s programme runs smoothly.

The Food Hall is sure to prove popular with visitors to the Great Yorkshire Show and it will be packed with stalls selling everything from salami and sausages to curry sauces, chutneys and cider. And the Great Yorkshire Cheese and Dairy Show, celebrating its 10th anniversary, will also draw the crowds with classes for ice cream, milk, butter and yoghurt, as well as cheese.

Other attractions over the three days include equestrian displays, top-class show-jumping, The Yorkshire Volunteers Band, fashion shows with national and regional designers, international sheep shearing competitions, demonstrations of country skills – dry stone walling, fly fishing, gundog training, hundreds of stands for plenty of shopping, and more than 5,000 of Britain’s best cattle, sheep and pigs competing for the coveted championship awards. The Great Yorkshire Show is organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

* www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk or call 01423 541222.