ORGANISERS of the North Yorkshire County Show have announced the 35th running of the event will go ahead, despite suffering crippling losses last year.

Show secretary Alan Andrew said following numerous donations and fundraising events, he was confident about being able to cover the costs of staging the event at Otterington Hall, between Northallerton and Thirsk, on Sunday, June 16.

The show sustained a £43,000 loss last year after becoming the first of many across the region to be cancelled as exceptionally wet weather made field conditions treacherous.

The organising committee refunded traders, businesses and people who entered classes as it attempted to uphold the reputation of the show.

Mr Andrew said: “Some people were close to tears after the field became waterlogged, we just about paid everybody back, but it was a very sad occasion for many people.

“Since then, in the face of adversity there has been an awful lot of people showing goodwill.”

After holding a clay pigeon shoot, a dinner and a dinner-dance which raised more than £3,000 and receiving a £1,125 donation from the Yorkshire Federation of Agricultural Societies the show’s balance sheet has improved.

Mr Andrew said: “With the funds raised and further events we will ensure that we will give people the entertainment they expect at the show. We can’t afford to cut back on what we offer.”

As well as ensuring ground across the 30-acre site is aerated for better drainage this year, the landowner has agreed to keep the sheep in the fields before the show, rather than silage, to improve underfoot conditions.

Mr Andrew said he also hoped to boost the show with a further £4,000 from a cheese and wine evening and auction of promises to be held at Thirsk Auction Mart on Friday, April 12, at 7.30pm.

Bedale auctioneer and former president of the show Robin Jessop will lead the sale, which will feature 80 lots.

Agricultural-themed lots include the three-day use of a muck spreader, 50 sheep clipped, 12 acres of ploughing, a day’s ferreting and 20 semen straws from the outstanding Holstein sire Picston Shottle.

Other lots being offered include days hunting for two riders with the Hurworth and Bedale hunts, a meal for two at the Wellington Heifer, in Ainderby Steeple, near Northallerton, with chauffeur-driven luxury transport, and a Spanish villa for one week.

Tickets for the event cost £5, include a glass of wine and are available on the door.