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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
