Entries are now open for Countryside Live

Each October sees Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground burst into life for Countryside Live, a two-day event which combines competitive classes for cattle, sheep, horses, pigeons, poultry and honey, with entertaining displays and demonstrations.

It is aimed at families and attracts healthy crowds and the event’s organisers at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society are celebrating its 11th year.

Last year’s event pulled in a crowd of 12,061 visitors and proved to be a new attendance record for the show. This year’s event will be held on the weekend of October 19-20.

Bill Cowling, Countryside Live’s honorary show director, said the event mixed traditional agriculture with activities for younger visitors.

“It’s very much a fun event for the family, always buzzing with a whole host of things to do and many of them are ‘hands on’,” he said.

“There’s everything from archery to ferret racing to breadmaking.

“The cattle and sheep classes are very much at the heart of the event. It’s a great opportunity to see some of the best of the best. And for the first time we have equine driving trials – an arena version of what many will recognise as one of Prince Philip’s favourite hobbies which I’m sure will be hugely popular.”

Also new to the event this year are demonstrations of chainsaw carving and the story of wool will be brought to life within the Sheep Marquee. There will also be a rundown on how to train your dog using music as part of a display by the Tailwagger team.

Other highlights include classes for horse shoeing, fruit, vegetables and honey, a chance to try mountain biking and a Talented Show Jumper competition featuring Olympic stars Graham and Tina Fletcher.

Mrs Fletcher is one of the world’s leading female showjumpers and was selected to ride for Great Britain at the 2010 World Equestrian Games and was reserve rider for the gold medal winning team at the London 2012 Olympics.

Mr Fletcher, now retired, is a trainer and between the pair, they have more than 50 years’ experience at the top of their sport.

The Harrogate event will also feature Olympia qualifying classes for ridden mountain and moorland ponies, ridden heavy horse classes and a fashion show for sheep to highlight the different breeds.

Aside from the main attractions there will be trade stands selling gifts, clothing, regional food and crafts.