165th Great Yorkshire Show opens to sold out week of events

Even with the heavy rain, crowds are converging on North Yorkshire to attend the beginning of the area’s most famous agricultural exhibition.

The 165th Great Yorkshire Show kicks off today on Tuesday, July 9th, marking the beginning of a four-day extravaganza at The Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.

This highly anticipated annual agricultural event is expected to draw a crowd of 140,000 visitors. Tickets for the celebration of rural life have already been snapped up, promising attendees an array of activities ranging from show jumping and sheep shearing to the exciting ‘Battle of the Butchers’.

With over 12,000 entries spread across 21 diverse sections, attendees have a plethora of options to indulge in at the show.

Moreover, the event eagerly anticipates welcoming over 100 farmers from various corners of the globe for the World Ayrshire Federation Annual Conference 2024.

This will be their sole agricultural show visit during an extensive 18-day tour aimed at observing UK farmers’ Ayrshire cattle breeding techniques and exchanging valuable insights.

Yesterday, the final touches were added to various exhibits, including the impressive Grimme Potato Harvester V470 Platinum.

This massive machine, measuring nearly 4 meters wide, 13 meters long, and 3.6 meters tall, will be showcased on the President’s Lawn in tribute to this year’s President Martin Cockerill and his illustrious career in the potato industry at RS Cockerill York.

The equine shows will be a major highlight of the event with over 2,000 horses, ponies, and donkeys participating. Two new classes have been introduced this year, including the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifier for British Ridden Heavy Horses.

Expect to see majestic giants like Shires, Clydesdales, Suffolk Punches, and Percherons competing in the ring at the Show.

The upcoming event will feature a Farm to Fashion Show showcasing Sheep Shearing, highlighting the importance of British wool and sheep farmers.

Attendees can also look forward to demonstrations of cutting-edge machinery, the latest innovations, countryside displays, cookery, and a variety of food and drink offerings.

Notable guests slated to appear include popular TV personalities like Helen Skelton, Adam Henson, Peter Wright from Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet, as well as Rob and Dave Nicholson from Cannon Hall Farm.

These guests have expressed their enthusiasm for the event, describing it as a must-see occasion and a genuine privilege.

According to Charles Mills, the director of the show, the Great Yorkshire event is a unique gathering that blends top-notch farming produce and rural charm for both farmers and the general public.

It’s a rare opportunity to witness superior livestock and elite showjumpers in one place. The competition is intense all week, with winning at this prestigious event being a significant achievement.

The team takes great pride in organizing the show and appreciates everyone involved in making it happen. Visitors are guaranteed to have an amazing experience at this event.