The schedule for the 110th edition of the Wensleydale Agricultural Show has been released, as thousands are expected to flock to the event.
Taking place on Saturday, August 24, the organisers of one of Yorkshire’s most anticipated one-day agricultural shows, which takes place on Bellerby Road, Leyburn, are preparing for the "biggest and best show yet".
According to the show committee, "huge efforts have been made during the last 12 months to make sure that a growing crowd can enjoy the best of Dales entertainment, farming and fun more easily this year."
Entry to the show from either Leyburn or Catterick and Richmond directions should be freer flowing than in recent years due to the engagement of a new car parking and security company.
Once through the gates, people can see the cattle, sheep and horse sections alongside several rural crafts and huge entries across horticulture, young people and handicrafts.
Entertainment this year will be the motorcycle stunt act of Jez Avery and his team who will perform, twice in the main ring in the morning and afternoon (11.30am and 3.30pm).
Other highlights in the main ring include the popular end-of-day terrier racing as well as a cattle parade and a parade of vintage tractors and machinery.
In the morning the main ring will kick off with several decorated horse-heavy horses and carriage driving classes.
This year will see Ele Acaster-Law in her first show as chair, assisted by a team of stalwarts across all sections that make the event, charity and community show the success it is.
With Charlotte Norton, Sandy Carter and Charmaine Fletcher making up the trusted team of secretaries and treasurers for the show it is hoped that the sellout stallholders offer those attending a chance to peruse and buy gifts and crafts from the Yorkshire Dales and beyond.
David and Margery Amsden will hold the presidency at this year’s event for the first time.
David said: “Margery and I are delighted to act as Presidents of the 2024 Wensleydale Show. We truly feel it is an honour and privilege to have this opportunity – the show is a Dales event close to our hearts, it’s a real farming and social day that continues to go from strength to strength and we hope to see many friends – old and new on show day.”
With entries across all sections now closed the committee will make their final preparations with volunteers who are thanked for their commitment and support – and with total entries across all sections breaking the 3000 barrier, it’ll be a busy time.
Sheep entries are over 700 this year with nearly 50 entered in the new 2024 Dutch Spotted breed classes, and many new exhibitors.
While Poultry classes are still unable to feature at the show, the egg classes are up in numbers again this year.
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The Home and Handicraft section features many new exhibitors as well – many well-travelled from places such as Goole and Holmfirth.
Despite the weather not favouring gardens and veg patches this year, the Horticulture will include nearly 600 exhibits in the tent and there are approaching 500 entries in the young people's section which will be run this year by new show recruits sisters Morag and Kathy Strachan.
With an additional 18 vintage tractor entries, the vintage section also heads to the 150 mark and finally, cattle numbers hold at recent levels of 120 in beef and dairy.
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