Town prepares for sheep day festival

Skipton, whose name comes from the Old English “sceap” and “tun” meaning “sheep town”, will be holding the 10th annual Sheep Day festival on Sunday July 3.

The day-long festival will feature acts such as the Sheep Show, a humorous and educational show about sheep and wool, and stars from ITV’s The Dales.

Visitors will get to try their hand at dry stone walling, milking a cow and rug making, and can see vintage tractors, rare sheep breeds and birds of prey.

There will be music, food and drink stalls, including a farmers market, and children’s activities with a disco at the end.

Skipton town manager Brett Butler said: “Sheep Day is always a popular event in Skipton and is dedicated to the heritage of our town and Yorkshire. We expect the town to be jam packed as usual with people having a really great day out.”

The event began in 2001 as a way of raising revenue and awareness for businesses hit by foot and mouth disease. The festival is set to attract more than 6,000 people.

The High Street will be closed from 10am until 4pm.