LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT THREE DAYS, says SHOW DIRECTOR

The entry figures for the competitive classes at the Great Yorkshire Show have been announced – and are the second highest in the event’s history.

A total of 12,630 have been received for classes for everything from cattle to cheese and from show jumping to sheep shearing. 

Announcing the figures Show Director, Bill Cowling said:”These are excellent figures and re-enforce our position as England’s premier agricultural show. We will have more than a thousand cattle, 2,000 horses and ponies, over 2,000 sheep, and pigs have an all time record entry figure of 419.”

He added: “We are delighted that we will be awarding the Burke Dairy Trophy to the best pair of animals. This prestigious trophy was first awarded in the early 1950s at the Royal Show, and was presented by Sir Roland Burke. This, along with the equivalent award for beef (the Blythewood Trophy) will be judged and awarded in the Main Ring during the cattle parade and has to be the pinnacle of any cattle farmer’s achievements.”

He added: “Our horse and pony numbers are excellent, at 2,087, and we will doubtless again have wonderful show jumping in the Main Ring. Some of the smaller sections have terrific entries too, for example the pigeon section has a record breaking 766.

All in all, we are looking forward to an excellent three days of showcasing the best of British farming and the countryside.”

Preparations are well underway for the thousands of visitors expected to come through the gates when world class sheep shearing,  a top class cheese and dairy show plus an extensive array of farm machinery and equipment are just some of the attractions.

The show was first held in 1838 when its aim, then as now, was to encourage and reward the best of British agriculture. The overall winner of the Tye Trophy – awarded to the best farm in the North of England will be announced from the five regional winners – one of the many highlights of the event.

The record for the most competitive entries established last year with a total of 12,713. 

ENDS

26 June 2012

Media contact: Judy Thompson, PR Manager on 01423 546215 or email judyt@yas.co.uk

Deadline for press pass applications is Wednesday, 4thJuly.  Apply online:  http://www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/html/media-centre/press-passes/

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Great Yorkshire Show, Tuesday 10 – Thursday 12 July, 2012
This year sees the 154th Great Yorkshire Show. It is organized by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and is England’s premier agricultural show. Each year some 130,000 visitors come through the gates to see the best of British agriculture and experience country life, as well as hundreds of stands selling everything from furniture to designer clothing. Around 10,000 animals, including cattle, sheep and horses, compete for the top prizes. The event is held at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate. Gates open at 7.30am each day.

Tickets are available on the gates and in advance until Wednesday 4 July – go to www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk or call 01423 541222.

Tickets bought in advance                          Tickets bought on the gate

Adult:               £20                                          Adult                £23

Concession:    £19                                          Concession:    £22                             

Children:          £ 9                                           Children:          £11

Family:             £52                                          Family:             £60

Parking is free and extensive; please note dogs, other than assistance dogs are not allowed on the showground.

Tags: