CELEBRATION OF FARMING'S BEST AND A DECADE
Record entries and a tenth anniversary to celebrate mean that this weekend’s Countryside Live is all set for success.
The little sister of the annual Great Yorkshire Show opens its doors at 9am on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 October, for an insight into rural life and a fun day out for the family.
First held following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in 2001, it has gone from strength to strength with a record number of visitors through the gate last year (10,700) and this year there’s an all time high for the competitive classes of 3,184. There are classes for cattle, sheep and horses, as well as pigeons, poultry and honey plus the popular “Search for a Talented Show Jumper” competition, hosted by experts Graham and Tina Fletcher.
Bill Cowling, Show Director said: “Countryside Live began a decade ago with only 400 entries. Each year it has grown and becoming an important fixture on the rural calendar. Our aim is to stage an enjoyable event which appeals to all the family, coupled with the more business element, ie the livestock classes for cattle and sheep. It is also important as a meeting place for the rural community, all of which combines to make a super event.”
For the first time a number of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society awards will be made at the event, namely medals to the best agricultural students in the North of England, the long service awards to those who have worked in the industry for more than 40 years, and the winner will be announced of the prestigious Tye Trophy Award, which recognises excellent farming practice.
And also new is the Northern Show Cross Final in the equine section which is sponsored by Bishop Burton College, plus mountain biking, ferret racing and the One Man and His Pig demonstrations.
Back by popular demand are Carol and Philip Mellin, stars of TV’s ‘The Dales’ programme with their sheepdog demonstrations, the popular Diggerland Experience is returning whilst would-be Robin Hoods will have the chance to put their archery skills to the test. For youngsters there is the Country Crafts Experience with a host of hands-on activities for children of all ages.
Another popular aspect of Countryside Live is the Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Show, there are also dog agility competitions, tug of war contests and Richard Savoury’s fun-filled Sheep Show. Plus there is the Food Zone, the Story Barn and plenty of shopping opportunities.
Doors open at 9am at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.
Tickets are available on the gate - Adults: £10, Children (5-18 years): £5 and a Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 adults): £28.
Parking is free and extensive. There will be a free shuttle bus service on Railway Road at the Showground from Sainsburys to the Blue Entrance and return, 8am - 6pm on both days, with two double decker buses operating a continuous service.
Please note dogs, other than assistance dogs are not allowed on the showground. For more information see www.countrysidelive.co.uk
ENDS
15 October 2012
Judy Thompson, PR Manager on 01423 546215 or email judyt@yas.co.uk
YORKSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY:
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society was formed in 1837 and is a charity dedicated to supporting the farming industry and rural life. The value of the support it provides to regional farming and countryside initiatives has risen year on year to almost £1m. It is based at the Regional Agricultural Centre, Harrogate; the RAC includes Fodder, the Society’s regional food shop and café which opened in June 2009. Both the RAC and Fodder has won a number of awards, including in 2010, being named as the Observer Monthly Best Independent Local Retailer, and most recently it has been chosen as a finalist in the Taste of England category of the 2012 Visit England Awards for Excellence.
The Society is the organiser of England’s premier agricultural show, the Great Yorkshire Show and its sister event, Countryside Live. Dates for Countryside Live 2012 are Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 October. The 2013 Great Yorkshire Show dates are Tuesday 9 – Thursday 11 July which will be the 155th show.
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