Better view of cattle after tent changes

Kilnsey Show gets underway this Tuesday with organising body the Upper Wharfedale Agricultural Society reporting that arrangements are on course for the 113th event.

The show is one of the largest agricultural shows in the Yorkshire Dales and is staged in the shadow of Kilnsey Crag, north of Skipton.

The cattle tents at this year's events are being altered to allow the public to see the animals when they are not being shown in the main rings.

Altogether 83 trophies will be handed out with the livestock classes supported by equine events throughout the day – including show jumping, shires, hunters and harness racing – plus displays and demonstrations highlighting all aspects of agricultural and rural life and crafts, among them dry stone walling, sheep dog trials, angling, vintage tractors, produce, handicrafts and horticulture.

A show spokesman said entries were very strong with bosses hoping the downpours seen before the last two shows do not materialise this year.

Perhaps the most important message of the day however will be that of the importance in preserving the contribution that upland farmers make to the countryside and of where food comes from.

The REAL Food and Farming campaign, which champions the Yorkshire Dales uplands, will be out in force at the event – educating visitors about the role they play. Local food producers, many of them small, family-run businesses, will also be displaying the best of what they produce at the Northern Dales Farmers Markets' food tent.

The Angel Inn at Hetton's Bruce Elsworth said: "It's fantastic that people can see chefs cooking with various ingredients and then walk next door to the farmer's market and meet the person who produced it."

Mr Elsworth will also be appearing in the show's cookery theatre which will feature regional food masterclasses from Coniston Hotel's Craig Allen, Stephanie Moon from Rudding Park Country House Hotel, John Rudden of Grassington House Hotel and Richard Upton, from the Bull Inn at Broughton.

Elsewhere, the National Farmers' Union will be taking their Changing Attitudes Roadshow to Kilnsey while Matthew Hurst is again flying in from Malhamdale Falconry with his birds of prey and intends to put on a special display in the main arena.

The website – www.kilnseyshow.co.uk – has details or call 01756 753259 to find out more.

Meanwhile Epworth Show takes place on the Bank Holiday Monday with tickets 5 for adults and 4 for children and OAPs.

This year's event, based near Doncaster, boasts the usual animal classes as well as a classic car and vintage tractor display.