Masham Sheep Fair will take place this weekend and promises to be a celebration of all things sheep farming.
The fair, which commemorates Masham’s rich history of sheep farming, is one of the biggest annual events in the Harrogate district and provides a major boost for tourism in the Dales' town.
Susan Cunliffe-Lister and other volunteers started the sheep fair 30 years ago, initially as a one-off event to raise money for farmers in Africa. It raised £7,950 and became an annual event, now raising £159,000 for Yorkshire charities.
Attractions include sheep racing, sheepdog demonstrations, craft and fleece stalls, Morris dancers, tours of Masham’s Theakston and Black Sheep breweries and a children’s fair.
There is also a large sheep show in which various breeds are judged and supreme champions decided.
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The schedule for the sheep fair is below.
Saturday10.00 - Town Hall & School exhibitions open
10.00 - Harvest display & refreshments in Methodist Chapel
10.45 - Judging of Sheep Show commences
10.45 - Flower Festival opens in St. Mary's Church
11.30 - Sheep Show on trailer in front of Town Hall
12.00 - Trips around Theakston's & Black Sheep Breweries start
12.00 - Sheep racing in field beyond churchyard
12.30 - Sheepdog demonstrations in field beyond churchyard
13.00 - Judging of Supreme Champion in Sheep Show
13.45 - Bishop Blaize procession from Maple Creek to the Square
14.00 - Sheep Show on trailer in front of Town Hall
14.30 - Sheep racing over the sticks
15.00 - Sheepdog demonstration in field beyond churchyard
15.00 - Handbell ringing in Church
15.30 - Sheep Show on trailer in front of Town Hall
Sunday
10.00 - Town Hall & School exhibitions open
10.30 - Morning Service in Methodist Chapel
10.45 - Harvest Festival Thanksgiving Service at St. Mary's Church
10.45 - Judging of Sheep Show commences
11.30 - Sheep Show on trailer in front of Town Hall
12.00 - Flower Festival opens in St. Mary's Church
12.00 - Trips around Theakston's & Black Sheep Breweries start
12.00 - Sheep racing in field beyond churchyard
12.00 - Refreshments start at Methodist Church
12.30 - Sheepdog demonstrations in field beyond churchyard
13.00 - Judging of Supreme Champion in Sheep Show
13.45 - Bishop Blaize procession from Maple Creek to the Square
14.00 - Sheep Show on trailer in front of Town Hall
14.30 - Sheep racing over the sticks
15.00 - Sheepdog demonstration in field beyond churchyard
15.00 - Handbell ringing in Church
15.30 - Sheep Show on trailer in front of Town Hall
18.30 - Songs of Praise service in Methodist Chapel
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