Countryfile presenters and a big summer event at Castle Howard

Making a splash: Countryfiles Anita Rani, John Craven, Ellie Harrison, Tom Heap, Matt Baker and Steve Brown in the fountain at Castle Howard. (Picture: Charlotte Graham).

Yorkshire-born Anita Rani and John Craven were joined by fellow presenters Matt Baker, Steve Brown, Tom Heap and Ellie Harrison at the North Yorkshire stately home for the launch of this year’s BBC Countryfile Live events.

It is the first time the four-day event, which usually only takes place at Blenheim Palace, will also be held at Castle Howard later this summer for the first time.

Anita Rani, who was born and raised in Bradford, said that bringing the show to the North was an opportunity to reach an even bigger audience.

She said: “Yorkshire’s the largest county in Britain and I think it’s got so much to offer.

“What we’re going to be doing is celebrating what Yorkshire has to offer, so there will be lots of local businesses and local food and produce.

“It’s a celebration of what this county has to offer.”

Veteran presenter John Craven, who grew up in the West Park area of Leeds, said it was a boost for his home county.

“It’s a fantastic house and very convenient for so many people to get here from the big towns and cities of Yorkshire and further up North.”

Countryfile Live comes to Castle Howard from August 15 to 18.