Video: Stage set for 2014 Great Yorkshire Show

The attention remains on Harrogate this week as the 156th instalment of an event billed as England’s premier agricultural show draws around 135,000 people to the spa town.
Natasha Jennings,  15, asleep in the cattle shed infront of Abbeyhouse Holsteins cows. PIC: James HardistyNatasha Jennings,  15, asleep in the cattle shed infront of Abbeyhouse Holsteins cows. PIC: James Hardisty
Natasha Jennings, 15, asleep in the cattle shed infront of Abbeyhouse Holsteins cows. PIC: James Hardisty

Just days after Grand Départ fever gripped the town, the Great Yorkshire Show starts tomorrow (July 8) at the showground off Railway Road.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s flagship event runs for three days and will once again showcase the very best livestock from across all four corners of the region and beyond. Both cattle and sheep entries are at record levels.

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Alongside the competitively fought animal classes, there is a plethora of other diversions such as a country pursuits zone, a display of agricultural machinery and motors, equine competitions and a lifestyle and food area.

Natasha Jennings,  15, asleep in the cattle shed infront of Abbeyhouse Holsteins cows. PIC: James HardistyNatasha Jennings,  15, asleep in the cattle shed infront of Abbeyhouse Holsteins cows. PIC: James Hardisty
Natasha Jennings, 15, asleep in the cattle shed infront of Abbeyhouse Holsteins cows. PIC: James Hardisty

The showground is a picture of activity today as trade stand holders make last minute adjustments to their pitches and farmers prepare their animals meticulously for the scrutiny of the judges.

Bill Cowling, the show’s honorary director, has high hopes that the event will deliver a great experience for the thousands due to flock through the gates.

“I hope the our visitors enjoy the show and, as well as that, I hope that they learn something from it because part of any event like this is for the agricultural community to show visitors and our friends what we are doing and why we are doing it,” he said.

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Advanced ticket sales have been strong, Mr Cowling added, and he hopes that the sense of occasion created by the Grand Depart passing through the region will lead even more people through the show gates.

“We are hoping that some of the people; especially those from further away because many people have travelled from abroad to be in Yorkshire for the race, will stay on and visit the show.”

Visitors will be in royal company. The Countess of Wessex is set to attend the show tomorrow followed by Princess Anne on Wednesday. It will be the first time that The Countess has attended whilst The Princess Royal has been a guest on several occasions, the last time being in 2010.

For detailed information about the programme of activities and events over the next three days, visit: www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk