Leading county show is aiming for a local flavour

Work will begin in earnest this weekend for one of Yorkshire’s top agricultural shows, with organisers hoping for their biggest and best year yet.

North Yorkshire County Show takes place next week on Sunday, June 19 at Otterington Hall, between Northallerton and Thirsk.

The event attracted an audience into five figures last year and bosses hope that the turnout will be even higher this year, with the prayers for good weather having already got underway.

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“This place buzzes when it’s full and the sun is shining”, show secretary Alan Andrew told the Yorkshire Post.

Early indications are that the strong levels of interest in the show seen in recent years have not been dampened by the economic climate.

The space for trade exhibitors, food stands, cattle and sheep entrants and craft displays are already full and early indications are that the 10,000 plus attendance figure set last year will be given a run for its money this time.

Despite the profile and stature of the show, Mr Andrew said this year he and his fellow organisers hoped to give the event more of a localised feel.

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Rather than hiring in a band from outside the area the show will be soundtracked by the Northallerton Area School Convert Band, made up of 60 youngsters from the Stokesley, Northallerton and Thirsk area. The band will be previewing some of the material they will perform in an upcoming trip to France.

Mr Andrew said: “We also have a local scout troop who are looking to raise money for an upcoming activity holiday to Australia. We have a catalogue which is handed out for free and these scouts will be distributing them around the showground while looking for donations to help fund the trip.”

Mr Andrew added that he expected this year’s North Yorkshire County Show to have more sheep displays than ever before, alongside displays of vintage cars, showjumping and heavy horses – with attractions running between 8.30am to 5.30pm.

“I am told the poultry fur and feather event is one of the biggest in the country,” he said.

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“We are really excited and hope that the rain will be out of the way. We have run a competition for what image we will have on the front of the catalogue and have had a huge amount of interest.

“This means schools are watching what we are doing, are likely to bring parents and really just foster support for the show – it all goes around really.

“It is still very much a family day.”

The show also coincides with Fathers Day and to commemorate the occasion the Yorkshire Country Women’s Association are presenting a special exhibition.

Show tickets can be bought on the day and are priced at £8 for adults and £5 for children, students and pensioners. Children under five are admitted free of charge.

Honley’s 90th birthday

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HONLEY Show, one of the biggest and best-attended in West Yorkshire, celebrates its 90th anniversary today at The Showground, Moor Lane, Farnley Tyas, between Huddersfield and Holmfirth, HD4 6UW. Tickets at the gate will be: adults £8, children £3, senior citizens £6.

See www.honleyshow.co.uk for more information.

Next Saturday, June 18, is show day for Todmorden, Calderdale, and Eastrington, near Howden, East Yorkshire.

Arthington Show, near Otley, will take place on July 3.