Sheep dance and race for crowds as village show raises charity cash

The popular event, hosted in and around the market square, saw an action-packed programme featuring craft markets, processions, stalls and sheepdog demonstrations. There were bell ringers, Morris dancers and a children’s fair.

And highlight of the weekend was the ever-popular sheep racing, despite drawing controversy this year with petitions from animal rights campaigners.

“Thanks to the thousands of people who supported the Masham Sheep Fair,” said organisers as the day drew to a close on Saturday. “We have had an amazing day.”

Set up to raise money for farmers in Africa, the annual event has now branched out into helping local charities and has raised £158,700 in total over recent years.

This year the funds raised will go to two different groups, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity and the Friarage MRI Scanner Appeal.