Full signs go up for cattle entries at Countryside Live

A waiting list running to more than a hundred names is already in operation for the autumnal farming showcase, with entries into the poultry, sheep, equine and pig sections all looking very healthy.

Honorary show director Bill Cowling said he hoped that this year's event would attract a record crowd, with visitor numbers standing at more than 10,000 for the past two years.

Mr Cowling said: "We have a waiting list in place in cattle. We thought we would have but it is still gratifying that we are attracting this level of interest.

"The demise of the Smithfield Show has meant that there is more pressure on us as there are less of these autumnal shows.

"I think it is right and proper that we should have a strong cattle show, with the sheep, pig and poultry levels all looking wonderful as well.

"It should be a great show for the exhibitors but also for the public as well. People can see the livestock as something that produces the food that they eat.

"It is more than just an agricultural show and is not just about the fatstock."

The event, which principally takes place indoors at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, is now in its eighth year and has cemented a solid position as a the younger sibling to the Great Yorkshire Show. Despite the economic picture still remaining uncertain for the country, Countryside Live has attracted a strong interest from trade stands too.

"Trade stands are going well and they will be up on last year. We think a lot of visitors look forward to looking round the stands just to do a bit of early Christmas shopping but also they get to see how we produce food and that is a very important service."

Elsewhere, there will be a talent-spotting exercise with renowned showjumper Graham Fletcher to see if he can spot an equestrian superstar for the future.

Mr Fletcher and his wife, Tina, will put budding riders through their paces over the course of the two days with an overall winner to be announced at its climax.

"We want riders from across Yorkshire and bordering counties to come forward and enter this exciting new compe- tition

"Not only is it an opportunity to pick up the silverware and perform in front of a crowd but hopefully it will help improve technique and style."

Anyone interest is asked to get in touch with organisers to obtain an application form.

The growing stature and profile of Countryside Live means that organisers the Yorkshire Agricultural Society will now be thinking ahead as to how they can expand.

Mr Cowling said that the livestock arena was one element under consideration. "We would like to think that in the future we could put more accommodation in place but that will not be this year or next."

Call 01423 541222 for tickets for the event on October 23 and 24 or visit www.countrysidelive.co.uk