COUNTDOWN TO THE CELEBRATIONS
The countdown has begun to celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of Countryside Live, the little sister of the Great Yorkshire Show.
The rural showcase and fun day out takes place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 October at the Great Yorkshire Showground on the edge of Harrogate. The weekend has a packed programme of events, with several new attractions, as well as the popular competitive classes for cattle, sheep, and horses. Schedules are now available.
Show Director, Bill Cowling said: “Our aim was to have an autumn event to really enthuse people about how great farming and the countryside is and we've certainly done that with attendance numbers growing each year.” Last year's figure was a record breaking 10,700.
And to mark the special year, youngsters who share a birthday with Countryside Live are invited to get in touch and be part of the event. “Anyone who celebrates their tenth birthday in October should contact us saying why they should be chosen as the “Birthday Star of Countryside Live”, said Mr Cowling.
“The winner and ten friends will have free entry to the event and be involved in the celebrations which will include a party, a special cake and goodie bags,” he added. (see www.countrysidelive.co.uk for more details and the entry form)
Elsewhere, the equine section has grown substantially since it was introduced in 2008. This year sees a new competition encompassing both show jumping and cross country. Entitled The Northern Show Cross Series Final, it is sponsored by Bishop Burton College and takes place in the Main Ring. Making a welcome return is the contest to find Britain’s most talented new show jumper, with equestrian experts Graham and Tina Fletcher in the judges’ hot seat. There will also be a new class for ridden heavy horses.
Also making its debut is the hilarious “One Man and His Pig” competition which will see pigs being put their paces around an obstacle course, plus there’s mountain biking for the first time and also ferret racing.
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 dog agility competitions, tug of war competitions and Richard Savoury’s fun-filled Sheep Show. Plus there is the Food Zone, the Farm Zone and plenty of shopping opportunities.
INFORMATION
Ticket Prices
Tickets can be bought in advance or on the gate.
Adults: £10 on the gate and £8 in advance.
Children (5-18 years): £5 on the gate and £4 in advance
Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 adults): £28 on the gate and £22 in advance.
Travel Information
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 visit the website at www.countrysidelive.co.uk
ENDS
22 August 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. The 2013 Great Yorkshire Show runs from Tuesday 9 – Thursday 11 July and Countryside Live takes place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 October.
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