Another record year as crowds flock to Countryside Live

The all-time record of 10,700 was announced last night as organisers brought the farming and rural showcase to a close.

It capped off a highly successful year for the event, which saw increased family attractions and food offerings alongside the traditional cattle and horse classes.

One thing that was striking about the 2011 Countryside Live was the large number of young farmers and farming families, giving hope for the next generation of producers in the region.

This year marked some quite significant changes in layout and format.

The cookery school was gone this year with the outdoor marquee devoted entirely to the sheep show.

Instead the food exhibitors were moved into the main hall with increased outdoor attractions offered.

Bill Cowling, show director, said that the 2011 event marked “another step forward” for the Countryside Live event.

“It keeps growing incrementally, which is just what we want.

“No doubt the fine weather helped and we have had two really good days.

“I think that it is really important that we as a show continue trying to attract younger visitors and families.

“It was great to see them enjoying the hands-on attractions like bread-making and what have you.

“That is terrific, it is wonderful to show people what it is we as farmers can produce for them.

“The Great Yorkshire Show, and all shows in general have been keen to really major over the past few years on young handling classes and it is great to see the younger generations interested in farming.

“The changes we have made have certainly worked well. The outdoor area was a lot more hands-on in terms of activities and was busier than previous years.”

Even though the event is held predominantly indoors, the weather unquestionably helped with the attendance record, with the weather remaining cool and dry throughout the weekend.

A bright and crisp Saturday saw massive crowds flocking through the gates at the Harrogate showground, with the outdoor attractions enjoying healthy audiences.

The birds of prey displays were particularly dramatic, with a range of birds – including a turkey vulture – performing airborne tricks for the crowds throughout the day.

Sunday got off to a slightly cooler and duller start but this did not deter the large crowds who turned up in their droves.

A small number of rugby fans gathered around the National Farmers’ Union van to watch New Zealand win the Rugby World Cup, defeating France in the final, while the food halls were incredibly busy throughout the day, with aisles packed with shoppers.

As is the norm the cattle classes were of particular interest this year on the Sunday, with a massive crowd congregating around the beef ring to watch the various classes being judged.

Mr Cowling said that in his opinion the cattle on display at this year’s event were “as good as you can get”.

He said: “The animals you have seen win here today will be able to win anywhere. The capacity we have is the capacity we have and you had 180-odd fantastic animals there this weekend. If we were to add another 100 would they be as good throughout? Who knows?”

And while the event has only just finished for the year, Mr Cowling and his fellow bosses at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society – who organise the show – will already be turning their attentions to next year’s Great Yorkshire Show.

“Most of the committee meetings have now taken place,” he said.

“There will be one or two minor revisions but it is fair to say that we are very much forward towards the 2012 Great Yorkshire Show.

“We will be looking to start booking trade stands soon.”