Let the great show commence

It’s almost here. Bill Cowling, the honorary show director, previews next week’s GYS.

Everything is well on track for an absolutely superb three days at the Great Yorkshire Show. This will be the 153rd show, and with our reputation as England’s premier show, our aim is to maintain – and, if possible, exceed – the high standard for which we are renowned.

We have record entries in many of our livestock classes, trade stand space has been sold out for months, ticket sales are going extremely well and we will have Royal visitors on the Wednesday.

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We look forward to welcoming The Duchess of Cornwall and our Patron, The Prince of Wales, whose enthusiasm for agriculture and rural life is well known.

Opinion-formers from across the sector are frequent visitors, and among our guests will be the presidents of the National Farmers Union and the CLA and also the new chief executive of Farm Crisis Network.

The strong support of the farming industry for the show is something we value greatly. The aim of our founding fathers, back in the 1800s, was to present a showcase of the best of British agriculture and a platform for the industry.

We remain true to that ethos, with farming remaining at the heart of our show.

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The cattle parade in the Main Ring must be one of the finest sights at an agricultural event anywhere, and we’re delighted to be awarding that most prestigious of cattle prizes, the Burke Trophy, for the first time.

Also in the Main Ring we have Lorenzo with his spectacular horse display, along with top-class show-jumping, plus The Yorkshire Volunteers Band will also be delighting the crowds.

Pick up horticultural tips in the Garden Show, take a look at the latest styles in the fashion shows or browse the dozens of stands in the Food Hall where grazing takes on a very different meaning.

People often comment on the special atmosphere of the Great Yorkshire Show. Our visitors, members, exhibitors and the hundreds of stewards and staff all contribute to this, so whether your interest is food, fashion, livestock or simply having a fun day out, the Great Yorkshire Show is the place to be.

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The cattle, sheep and pigs form the main attraction at the show with more than 1,000 cattle across 20 cattle breeds competing for the coveted red rosettes and the top “Supreme” awards.

This year, the prestigious Burke Perpetual Challenge Trophy for Beef will be presented at the Great Yorkshire Show for the first time.

Traditionally awarded at the Royal Show, it will be presented to the top cattle pair at Harrogate.

Cattle classes at the Great Yorkshire Show have always drawn the best of British livestock and this year is no exception.

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Within three weeks of the schedule being available, all cattle places were taken and this year there will also be record number of sheep with 2,085 entries – exceeding last year’s figure of 1,992.

In all, more than 30 breeds will be represented.

We have superb livestock sections, and to win the Burke Trophy must be the ultimate achievement for any cattle exhibitor.

It follows presentations to the winners of the two Blythewood competitions and thus means that at the Great Yorkshire we will be choosing the finest pedigree animals in the country.

The cattle parade, with all the champion and reserve animals, takes place immediately afterwards, rounding off this part of the proceedings with an inspiring finale.

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The cattle section is sponsored by Asda, and judging of the Supreme Dairy Championship and the Blythewood Dairy Pairs takes place on Wednesday and will be judged by James Warren, of Penzance, Cornwall. Commercial cattle judging will also take place on Wednesday.

The Supreme Pig Championship is a popular event, sponsored by Sainsbury’s, and well worth a look, as is the prestigious BPA Pig of the Year Final, which showcases the country’s finest pigs.

Information for the GYS

Great Yorkshire Show ticket hotline number (01423) 541222, or book online at greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

Daily admission price:Adults £22, over-60s/students £21, children (5-18) £11, family tickets (two adults, three children) £58.

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Under-fives are admitted free. Unaccompanied children under 12 are not admitted.

The showground is open between 7.30am and 7.30pm on Tuesday and Wednesday. It closes 6.30pm Thursday. No admission after 5pm.

Dogs, except assistance dogs, are not permitted.

From Harrogate station there is a free shuttle bus to the showground.

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