This story is sponsored by Harrogate BID.

A royal visit, a new fashion show and two national cattle championships were among the highlights of day one of the Great Yorkshire Show.

The Duke of Gloucester was taken on a tour by show director Charles Mills and Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Jo Ropner.

Despite the downpour, spirits remained high and the annual show is in full swing.

Thousands gathered to eat, drink, compete, and observe as celebrities were spotted and trophies were won.

Industry leaders and MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee discussed species reintroductions across the country, while TV star Adam Henson led a talk on the challenges faced and opportunities available in farming.

The Yorkshire Pelargonium and Geranium Society took home the first competitive cup of the show for the best exhibit in the garden show, and the President’s Award of the Curzon-Howe Rosebowl went to Harrogate’s very own Horticap.

In the sheep rings, two new breeds, the Badgerface Texel and Castlemilk Moorits, were competing, while next door the shearing stage saw the new Sheep to Chic Fashion Show, featuring the best of British wool garments worn by professional models and volunteers from the rural community.

Tickets for the show have now sold out. Tickets will not be available on the gate. The opening times are 8am to 6pm on all four days. To see what is happening on which day, visit here.

You can relive more day one highlights here. Below is a gallery.

Sheep young handler Benjamin Brook, aged 5. 

Winners of the Doncaster Cup: The Yorkshire Pelargonium and Geranium Society

TV star Adam Henson

Cheese judging. Pic: GYS website.

TV personality Amy Garcia and weatherman Paul Hudson preparing for the pole climb. Pic: GYS website.

Keep an eye on our website or on social media for daily updates at The Great Yorkshire Show.

Read more:

• As it happened: Day 1 at the Great Yorkshire Show
• Harrogate businesses offering unmissable discounts to attract punters during Great Yorkshire Show

The Stray Ferret is running a live blog from the Great Yorkshire Show, brought to you by Harrogate BID.

Keep checking back for the latest stories and pictures from the showground throughout the event.

The 164th Great Yorkshire Show began at 8am this morning and a total of 140,000 people are expected to pass through the gates of the showground over the next four days.

Here’s what happened during an opening day that included visits from the farming minister and the Duke of Gloucester.

5.22pm: Big queues as cars start to leave

The first day of the show is in its final hour. It’s been a successful start, marred only by a couple of short but fierce downpours and the inevitable traffic problems.

We will publish a round-up of news from day one shortly. In the meantime, here’s a picture to brighten every teatime — a hall full of cheeses.

4:39pm: Harrogate man sold rare horse to emperor of Japan 

Cleveland Bay breeder Steven Pullan has one of the most unusual claims to fame of anyone at the show.

Steven, who lives at Braithwaite, near Dacre in Nidderdale, has sold horses to the Pakistan government and the emperor of Japan over the years.

The Cleveland Bay, which originated in Yorkshire, is the oldest horse breed in England. But it was recently close to extinction with fewer than 300 mares worldwide.

Steven won the Cuddy class at the show in 2014, with a Cleveland described as “the greatest of all time”.

The Cleveland Bay Horse Society, whose patron was the late Queen Elizabeth II, uses the Great Yorkshire Show as an opportunity to promote the breed in the hope of increasing the population.

Steven’s son, Jamie, said winning a Great Yorkshire Show class with a Cleveland Bay was “the equivalent of winning the FA Cup”.

Steven was not competing this year, but is at the show to cheer on the Cleveland Bays.

Competing Cleveland Bays

4.05pm: Harrogate BID bangs the drum for business 

Another organisation with an uncertain future until recently was Harrogate Business Improvement District.

The group, which charges Harrogate town centre businesses a levy that it spends on schemes to encourage more shoppers, is approaching the end of its first five-year term.

Businesses were balloted last month on whether they wanted to continue funding the BID — and a resounding 76% voted ‘yes’.

It means the BID will exist until at least the end of 2028, and chief executive Matthew Chapman and his team are promoting what they can do for businesses at the show.

3.39pm: Black Sheep bar back

The Black Sheep Bar has been a big part of the show for years.

But its continuation looked uncertain when the Masham-based Black Sheep Brewery went into administration in May.

London investment firm Breal Capital brought the firm back from the brink in a deal later that month.

It continues to trade, much to the delight of show-goers. Fellow Masham brewery T & R Theakston also has a stand here.

2.44pm: Pateley Bridge prize cows

Pateley Bridge cattle farmers Chris and Caroline Prince have cleaned up with three rosettes this morning.

Their three Long Horn beef cows placed third, fourth, and sixth on the first day of the show.

The Prince family described the annual show as “a real family affair” and will be camping on-site until the end of the week.

The cows will be competing in a young breeders’ competition later this week.

Ms Prince said:

“It’s a week of exhausting fun!”

2.26pm: Resurrection Bikes promotes cycling

Volunteers from Harrogate’s Resurrection Bikes, which saves old bikes from the scrapyard by doing them up and selling them to raise money for charities, is among the local good causes exhibiting today.

It is challenging passers-by to see how far and fast they can pedal on two if its recycled bikes.

Cycling is definitely the quickest way to get around Harrogate during show week.

1.58pm: Downpour!

This morning’s kind weather has given way to an almighty downpour. Rain is forecast on and off this afternoon until later on.

1.38pm: Extra day means more space to move

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society turned the traditional three-day show into a four-day affair during covid, limited the attendance and made the event all ticket.

The changes were introduced to comply with social distancing measures but have been retained since.

It has certainly made walking around easier — the photo above was taken alongside the main ring, where it used to be very difficult to get around at peak times.

The society planned to introduce an app this year to help visitors get around but it was not ready on time.

12.48pm: Ripon Farm Services’ boss prepares for royal visit

Geoff Brown (centre)

It wouldn’t be the Great Yorkshire Show without Geoff Brown, managing director of Ripon Farm Services, or as he is now known Geoff Brown MBE.

We bumped into Geoff while he was waiting to meet the Duke of Gloucester. Will Paxton and Paul Russell, who run rival agricultural machinery firms Paxtons and Russells, were also waiting to meet the duke when we pounced for this photo.

Ripon Farm Services has three pitches at the show, close to the main ring, cementing its reputation as the main exhibitor.

12.09pm: Local businesses on show

There is a strong Harrogate contingency at the show, including regular stall-holder Tim Yarrow.

Tim, who played a key role managing the vaccine rollout here at the showground, owns local scuba diving company Dive Shack and regularly takes divers on trips abroad. He is seen here modelling one of his face masks.

10.24am: Farming minister launches new dairy farming regulations

Mr Spencer answering questions at today’s media briefing.

Farming minister Mark Spencer is at the show today to announce new dairy farming regulations, which he says will “promote fairness, transparency and accountability across the dairy supply chain”.

The regulations have been introduced in response to concerns dairy farmers are not getting a fair price for milk.

Mr Spencer said:

“Farmers must be paid a fair price for their produce and these regulations will provide price certainty and stability for farmers by establishing written milk purchase agreements with clear and unambiguous terms.”

At a media briefing this morning, the Stray Ferret asked Mr Spencer what specific differences the regulations will mean to farmers. He said they could more confidently challenge cases of perceived unfairness with suppliers.

9.28am: Countryfile presenter Adam Henson is here

Countryfile presenter Adam Henson is one of many celebrities here over the next few days. You can catch a short interview with him on our Facebook page.

Adam insisted on having his photo taken with Stray Ferret commercial director Emma Harris. Or maybe it was the other way round…

8.35 Traffic starting to build 

There’s heavy traffic on Otley Road approaching Harrogate. It’s a main route for traffic coming to show from the west.

Traffic is also very slow on, Leadhall Lane,  Hookstone Road and on Oatlands Drive close to the show ground as show traffic combines with the school drop off.

Oatlands Drive 

8.25am: Dry until the afternoon?

The Met Office is forecasting there is the chance of a shower this afternoon and perhaps more persistent rain in the afternoon.

Ever since the washout of 2012 the show has mainly been blessed by good weather and although it might not be as warm this year it is still pleasant for walking around.

7.50am: Traffic building up

Traffic measures are in place throughout the week in the area around the showground. Remember, Wetherby Road is inbound to Harrogate only.

You can read full details of the measures here.

This year’s royal visitor to the Great Yorkshire Show will be the Duke of Gloucester, organisers have revealed.

The duke, who is a first cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II, will make his first visit to England’s biggest agricultural show on its first day, Tuesday, July 11.

In 2021, King Charles III and The Queen Consort visited and last year it was the turn of Princess Anne, The Princess Royal.

The duke will be taken on a tour of the livestock and exhibits with show director Charles Mill and lord-lieutenant of North Yorkshire Jo Ropner.

Mr Mills said:

“We are delighted to welcome the Duke of Gloucester to the Great Yorkshire Show for the first time and look forward to showing him some of the highlights including horses, cattle and the latest in farming technology.”

Also attending on Tuesday will be some of the industry’s top-level leaders with MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.

The chair of the cross-party environment, food and rural affairs committee, Sir Robert Goodwill MP, and committee members will launch a report on the merits and risks involved in species reintroductions in England.

TV presenter Adam Henson will then chair a discussion on the challenges and opportunities for the farming sector.

He will be joined on stage by: Minette Batters, president of the National Farmers’ Union; Mark Spencer, a minister in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Sir Robert Goodwill.

The show will run from Tuesday, July 11 to Friday, July 14.

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Around 140,000 visitors are set to descend on Harrogate next week for the Great Yorkshire Show.

The county’s showpiece agricultural event will take place over four days from Tuesday to Friday at the Great Yorkshire Showground.

There is always so much to see and do. So, as lifestyle editor, I’ve delved into what is on offer when it comes to family entertainment, food and drink and famous faces.

Family

There is plenty of free entertainment at the Discovery Zone.

When I visited the show last year with my three-year-old, we absolutely loved the Discovery Zone.

Slightly off the beaten track, it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary if you’re taking the kids.

The area is described as “offering both fun and learning opportunities for all the family to find out more about food, farming and the countryside”.

This year the Discovery Zone will be showcasing regenerative agriculture, to tell the story of environmental practices that are shaping modern farming.

A wildflower meadow has been created for visitors to enjoy and picnic alongside, and interpretation boards will explain how farmers and landowners carefully manage the land to harness nature and wildlife.

Expect a full array of completely free and interactive activities, workshops and demonstrations for families and young people, from wand and felt making, to meeting reptiles and milking a demonstration dairy cow.

This year there will be a new careers hotdesk, organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and supported by agricultural colleges and vets. There will be an opportunity to ask the hosts about routes into agricultural careers and free goodie bags.

Food and drink

Shaun Rankin, of Grantley Hall.

If you’re into your food and drink, our county undoubtedly has some of the best in the world.

This year foodies are in for treat when the winner of MasterChef 2022, Eddie Scott, and Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen line up with a host of well-known regional chefs to cook up some of the region’s finest produce.

The Great Yorkshire Food Theatre will feature more than 20 chefs, including Callum Bowmer of Horto at Rudding Park, Harrogate, Dragon’s Den contestant Will Chew of Mak Tok, in Sheffield, Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin of Grantley Hall, near Ripon, and Nathan Richardson-Kelly of Castle Howard, York.

Dishes being demonstrated range from steamed rhubarb muthiya to halibut and from chicken pancakes to slow roasted beef.

MasterChef winner Eddie appears on Tuesday at 2pm. While shepherdess Amanda shares some of her favourite family recipes from her bestselling book ‘Celebrating the Seasons’ on the Friday at 2.30pm.

Great Yorkshire Food Theatre host Sue Nelson said:

“We’re thrilled to be hosting some great names who between them exude incredible talent showcasing the best of Yorkshire’s culinary scene.

“It’s a great coup to have got Eddie to appear on his home turf so soon after his MasterChef win and he joins a brilliant gourmet line-up oozing passion and skill.”

The Game Cookery Theatre makes the most of Yorkshire game, including venison, pigeon, grouse and rabbit. The game theatre also features a number of chefs, with host Steph Moon joining forces with grouse expert John Cavana to create grouse nuggets and grouse with black pudding.

New for 2022 is an appearance by Year 8 students from Harrogate’s St Aidan’s High School. They have won the opportunity to cook at the show, with two different forms producing their own game pizzas.

Game Cookery Theatre host Steph Moon said:

“It is fantastic to have a full programme at the show again. We have some new chefs and some young chefs and as always we will be showcasing the very best Yorkshire produce in both theatres.”

Famous faces

Matt Baker.

For many years the Fashion Show brought a touch of glamour to the Great Yorkshire Show.

This year, organisers are trying something different, with a new celebrity chat show being held in its place.

TV presenter Christine Talbot will host the show on the new GYS Stage, which will be staged in the former fashion show building next to grey gate.

Farming celebrities will be interviewed and will then have a chat with fans afterwards in a meet and greet zone.

This will include Countryfile presenter Adam Henson on Tuesday, JLS popstar-turned farmer JB Gill on Wednesday, TV host Matt Baker MBE on Thursday and the Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen on Friday.

The Yorkshire Vet Peter Wright will take to the stage each day of the show.

Mr Wright said:

“We always love coming to the Great Yorkshire Show and have been coming for years, with my family as well as filming. I’m delighted to be taking part in the brand new GYS Stage which will be an exciting new addition to the show.”

In 2021, organisers capped the number of visitors at 104,000 and made the show a four-day event to spread out the number of visitors due to covid.

This year, the show is back to full strength and the last few tickets are available for Friday. Tickets are available here and won’t be sold at the gates.