This story is sponsored by Harrogate BID
Despite the cost of living crisis, the 2023 Great Yorkshire Show was a sell-out with the rain appearing to have a bigger effect on sales than the economic climate.
The UK’s largest agricultural show saw 140,000 people pass through its gates over four days this week.
The four-day event sold out two weeks in advance even though ticket prices increased, setting you back £32 for an adult or £80 for a family. By comparison, they cost £29 and £75 last year.
Alistair Nixon, chief executive of Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the farming charity that organises the show, said:
“It is a difficult time – cost of living means prices are going up all the time and we do have to reflect that in our prices.
“However, we support our farmers as much as we can through the show, and I’ve seen the same level of loyalty this year as with any other year.”
Mr Nixon explained the charity “has hit its target and done what we needed to do” when asked if the economic state had caused a dip in sales.
Show director Charles Mills added:
“Everywhere I’ve been it’s been very busy.
“I’ve seen a lot of people with food and drinks, or walking out with bags, so that must be a good sign.”
Clothing trader Joules noted sales to be “around the same as last year”, but said its demographic “tend to come to the show and only shop here during the show”.
The Pavilions of Harrogate‘s outdoor bar saw record sales on the Thursday, but Friday’s rain slowed down final sales.
Fraser Holmes, event manager of Pavilions, told the Stray Ferret:
“In terms of what we’ve taken this year, I believe it to be around the same as last year.
“Thursday was our record day ever for sales – the sunshine really helped with that – and Friday’s rain then brought things back down a bit.
“People are still spending money I think.”
The show also saw a record number of sheep class entries that surpassed 3,000, as well as over 1,000 cattle and equine entries too.
Find more information on Yorkshire Agricultural Society here.
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