A lively introduction to rural life for children

Last year the event, from the organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show, saw 3.000 people attend at the showground in Harrogate, and it is hoped to attract an even bigger crowd this year.

Aimed at families with young children, Springtime Live gives children a “hands-on” experience of the countryside.

“It’s not a question of coming and watching, it’s coming and doing,” Nigel Pulling, chief executive of Yorkshire Agricultural Society said. “Whether it’s trying circus skills or meeting gun dogs.”

But as well as activities like pony rides, mountain biking and rope making, the event provides the opportunity for families to learn about the production of food and healthy living.

“A lot of people are living a very urbanised life and don’t come across farm animals on a day to day basis. It reminds them that someone has to produce the food that they eat and there’s a bit more to it than picking it up off the supermarket shelf,” Mr Pulling said.

“It’s an opportunity to get the message across in a slightly different way to the Great Yorkshire Show.”

Some of the country’s rarest animals will be on show, including a Crollwitzer turkey, Badger Faced Welsh Mountain sheep, a Manx Loaghtan lamb, Irish Moiled cattle and Golden Guernsey goats.

Children can also handle and feed a variety of animals including chicks, rare breed cattle, lambs and piglets.

Show director Bill Cowling, said: “Springtime Live was hugely popular last year and all the signs are that it will be so again.

“Ticket sales are going well and we’ve got a good mix of attractions and activities.

“We hope that these will not only enthuse the youngsters but give them a greater understanding of rural life.”

There will also be workshops and trade stands, “with everything from York Chocolate Factory to the World Carrot Museum”, Mr Pulling added. “There will a huge range of things to do.”

Discounted tickets are available until noon tomorrow, or are priced at £10 per adult or £5 per child on the gate. Under 3s are free. Parking is free.

For more information visit www.springtimelive.co.uk