One-day show looks in record shape

A new online system for submitting entries has boosted numbers ahead of this year’s show on Tuesday 30 July, which should make for a particularly competitive event this time round.

Livestock entries currently stand at 221 cattle, 991 sheep, 78 fleeces, 37 pigs and 27 goats plus numerous sheepdog entries.

Horse entries are also holding up well, with more than 700 entries made in over 100 classes. Such is the section’s popularity that new equestrian classes have been introduced at the show for the third consecutive year.

Fans of vintage motors will be treated to a display of 98 tractors and pieces of agricultural machinery from bygone years.

The produce section of the show has especially exceeded expectations, with 1,680 entries received to date, while 506 exhibits will be on display in the fur and feather category. Visitors will also be able to browse more than 50 trade stands.

Christine Thompson, the show’s vice-chairman, said: “Everyone is looking forward to it. Entries are up again and it looks as though the whole show season is benefitting from better weather this year.

“We were very lucky that we were able to go ahead last year but we have made a large investment in drainage of the show field over the last three or four years after the show got cancelled because of the weather to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

As well as funding improved drainage, the show’s organisers were awarded Lottery funding this year to cover the costs of a bespoke database which has opened up online entries and provides the 50-plus trade stands at this year’s show with additional information.

A new mapping programme will help visitors navigate the show field and extra road signs have been produced to help minimise disruption to local roads.

Mrs Thompson added: “There’s something for everyone, from guinea pigs to rabbits all the way up to cattle that’s been at the Great Yorkshire Show. In livestock especially we get exhibitors that visit all the big shows.

“The horse classes range from children’s fancy dress through the different levels to the Horse of the Year qualifiers.

“We would love it to be a record attendance. We were slightly down on the gate last year so we are making every effort to make the numbers up this time but a lot of it depends on the weather.”

Free parking is available at show at Welburn Park near Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire and tickets cost £8 for adults, £7 for senior citizens and children aged 11-16, £3 for children aged between five and ten and admittance is free for the under fives.

Gates open at 8.30am.

For more details about this year’s Ryedale Show, visit the event website at www.ryedaleshow.org.uk