Show gives visitors taste of country life

Organisers of the Thornton-le-Dale Show in North Yorkshire were blessed with balmy weather and avoided the wash-outs which blighted many events due to torrential downpours earlier in the summer.

An estimated 15,000 visitors were expected to attend the village’s 93rd annual show yesterday to see a host of country pursuits and family entertainment.

A spokesman for the show said they were lucky with the weather.

“Fortune seems to favour Thornton-le-Dale Show and no matter what the weather is doing around us, a glorious day is always guaranteed at the show,” they said. “The gods have definitely shone upon us in recent years but no matter, whatever the weather decides to do there is plenty of entertainment on hand for the entire family.”

There were nearly 150 trophies up for grabs in more than 450 classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses, and the show also featured traditional rural crafts.

The region’s finest produce and arts and craft were showcased with a marquee dedicated to displays of paintings, pottery, stained glass, glasswork and photography.

Representatives from the region’s food and drink champions, Deliciously Yorkshire, were at the show to highlight a wide range of produce that visitors were able to sample and then purchase.

One of the new attractions for this year was the Knights of Nottingham, a medieval re-enactment group which has represented the UK in the World Jousting Championships twice in recent years.

There were also falconry displays, sheepdog trials and a performance from the Kangaroos Gymnastic Team, which has become one of Europe’s leading outfits since forming in 1981.

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