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 story is sponsored by Harrogate BID.

A total of 140,000 people are expected to attend the 164th Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate this week.

Gates open at 8am tomorrow for the four-day event, which is completely sold out.

After years of mainly fine weather, showers are forecast along with a pleasant temperature in the high teens.

Traffic restrictions will be in place on the roads leading to the Great Yorkshire Showground. The details are here.

The event, which closes at 6pm each day, is a huge celebration of agriculture, food and farming, with everything from show jumping to shoemaking on display.

It is organised by farming charity the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

The traditional royal visit will see the Duke of Gloucester, who was a first cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II, attend tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s visitors will also include farming minister Mark Spencer, who is expected to talk about the government’s plans for dairy farming.

The Stray Ferret will publish updates about the show, including traffic and travel updates, throughout the week.

Read more:

• How to get around Harrogate during the Great Yorkshire Show
• Nurse retires after 50 years of service to Harrogate hospital

This story is sponsored by Harrogate BID.

Anyone needing to get around Harrogate and the surrounding areas is being advised to plan ahead this week.

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected at the Great Yorkshire Show across its four days, and there will be changes on some routes to accommodate the additional traffic.

North Yorkshire Council’s highways area manager, Melisa Burnham, said:

“We work closely with the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, its traffic management company and National Highways to agree a traffic management plan.

“We always ensure that roadworks on the main routes are kept to a minimum, with only emergency work permitted. Highways officers will monitor traffic on the routes and are available should they need to support the traffic management company.

“Whilst every effort is made to ensure that traffic flows efficiently, visitors to Harrogate should expect delays at peak times and plan their journeys accordingly.”

Here is your handy guide to the key points to remember from Tuesday, July 11 to Friday, July 15 – whether or not you’re going to the show.

Roads

A661 Wetherby Road: one way westbound from the Kestrel roundabout to Rudding Lane from 6.30am on each day of the show. This reverses in the afternoon from 2pm until 8pm, taking traffic away from the showground. If traffic eases earlier, the one-way system may be taken down before then.

A658: One way inbound towards the showground from Thistle Hill near Knaresborough to the Kestrel roundabout, from 6.30am for the mornings only. No one-way system during the afternoon.

B6164: Traffic arriving from the north via the A1(M) will be directed off at junction 46, before going through Kirk Deighton and on to North Deighton on the B6164. It will then turn right onto the A661 near Spofforth and follow the road to the showground.

A59 Skipton Road: Show visitors will be directed from the Curious Cow roundabout onto the B6161 to Beckwithshaw, where they will turn onto the B6162 Otley Road.

Parking

Traffic approaching from the west and north will follow the ‘blue zone’ directions to the car parks via Hookstone Drive.

Those coming from the east via the A661 will be directed down Rudding Lane into the ‘green zone’ car parks.

Traffic arriving from the south will follow ‘brown zone’ directions along the A658 towards Rudding Lane and into the car parks from there.

Public transport

A free shuttle bus operates every 10 minutes from the bus station in central Harrogate to the white gate at the showground. It begins at 7.20am and runs until 7pm.

Passengers arriving in Harrogate by train will be able to catch the shuttle bus. Those arriving at Hornbeam Park can follow a signposted walking route to the showground gates.

Walking and cycling

Pedestrians can follow signs from Hornbeam Park to the showground.

There is secure cycle parking at the blue and white gates for people arriving on two wheels.

Read more:

• Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Show is a sell-out
• 12-foot horse sculpture to be installed at the Great Yorkshire Show

Sainsbury’s supermarket on Wetherby Road in Harrogate will close its doors all next week to make improvements to the store.

It traditionally closes for the duration of the Great Yorkshire Show, which this year runs from Tuesday, July 11 to Friday, July 14.

However, it is going to be closed from Monday to Friday, to allow more time for changes inside and to its petrol station.

The work will include updating the signage and fixtures, improving the fresh food and produce areas, relocating the sushi bar, and extending the clothing department.

Behind the scenes, staff areas are also being improved “to help foster a more interactive and inspiring workplace”.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said:

“We hope our customers in Harrogate enjoy their new look store once the works are complete. We’d like to thank everyone for bearing with us while we complete this extensive project and we look forward to hearing what our customers think.”

After closing as usual at 4pm tomorrow, the store will reopen at 7am on Saturday, July 15.

Read more:

• Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Show is a sell-out
• Royal visitor to Great Yorkshire Show revealed

This story is sponsored by Harrogate BID

A range of Harrogate businesses will be offering residents and visitors various discounts and promotions during the Great Yorkshire Show next week.

The deals come in collaboration with Harrogate BID to attract shoppers to the town centre during the famous agricultural show.

Matthew Chapman, manager of Harrogate BID, said:

“The town centre is quiet during the event, with most people either enjoying the show or avoiding the traffic at home – meaning the town’s economy can take a short-term knock as a result.”

This year, however, Harrogate BID is determined to draw people back to the town and fill the shops, restaurants and attractions with punters.

Harrogate BID aims to maximise the town as a destination and ensure local businesses are thriving, while encouraging people to spend time and invest in the town centre. It aims to “make Harrogate safe, clean and welcoming, and the number one town centre for shopping, eating, and drinking”.

The offers are available to holders of Great Yorkshire Show tickets, as well as those who will not be attending the show this year. From discounted food and drink, to free cinema snacks and cheaper overnight stays, Harrogate BID has ensured there is a deal for everyone.

People can enjoy three for £16 tapas all day, every day at Revolucion De Cuba, a free glass of prosecco and kids eat free offer at Giggling Squid, or even 15% off an overnight stay with Harrogate Lifestyle Apartments.

Ticket holders, who may fancy a trip into town after a day of fun at the show, can take advantage of 20% off food at The Alexandra Hotel, 10% off food at Major Tom’s Social, and 20% off drinks at both Cedar Court Hotel and The Den to keep the party going.

Since its birth in 2019, Harrogate BID has locked in over £100,000 into participating businesses through sales of the Harrogate gift card, and hopes next week’s offers will see that figure rise further.

Find out more about Harrogate BID and the range of deals available during the Great Yorkshire Show here.

Find out more:

To find out more about Harrogate BID and all the services provided to the town centre, visit https://harrogatebid.co.uk/ 

For the third year in a row, the Great Yorkshire Show has sold out.

This year 140,000 people are expected to visit the 250-acre showground next week.

Traditionally, the Harrogate-based event was three days long. However, in 2021, it was extended to four days to help spread out crowds to meet covid safety regulations.

During the pandemic, capacity was also limited to 35,000 visitors a day and tickets were sold exclusively in advance on the show’s main website.

The event’s organisers decided to keep the changes for this year’s show following feedback that visitors found the experience more enjoyable when the showground was less crowded.

Read more

• Royal visitor to Great Yorkshire Show revealed
• 12-foot horse sculpture to be installed at the Great Yorkshire Show
• Harrogate Carnival to be held on July 30

The Great Yorkshire Show is run by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and is one of the largest agricultural shows in the UK, generating millions of pounds each year for the local economy.

Some of the main attractions include the Cock ‘O The North show jumping competition and several stunt-riding performances by Lorenzo the ‘flying Frenchman’.

TV presenter Adam Henson, MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, and The Duke of Gloucester are some of the many special guests invited to attend.

A free shuttle bus service from Harrogate bus station to the showground will be available to attendees throughout the four-day event.

Second-hand tickets will be available to purchase on the show’s official ticket reseller site, Ticket-Swap.

A large horse sculpture has been delivered to the Great Yorkshire Showground.

The art work is made out of more than 600 welded horseshoes, collected from across Yorkshire.

The 750-kilogram piece is named ‘Os II’ after the Yorkshire slang word for horse and was craned into position outside the Yorkshire Event Centre today.

Its creator, Ollie Holman is a thirty-one-year-old artist from North Yorkshire, who has been welding since he was a teenager.

‘Os II’ will be displayed next to the Yorkshire Show’s art show from Tuesday, July 11 to Friday, July 14 along with some of Ollie’s other sculptures.

The sculptor cannot wait to see his work displayed at the event and said:

“I hope it stops people in their tracks and creates a big crowd around it. It will be nice to see people’s reactions,”

“The driving force behind this one was to improve myself as an artist and really capture the raw physical power of the horse in more detail. I layered up the horseshoes to give it that sense of power.

Ollie has made many horse sculptures, including another 12-foot piece which was sold to Cheltenham Race Course, but he is especially proud of his latest creation, which took five years to make.

Charles Mills, Director of the Great Yorkshire Show added:

“Ollie’s sculpture is a true epic that I have no doubt will turn heads at the Great Yorkshire Show.

“We are proud of the high-quality equestrian classes we have at the Show each year, so this is a very fitting sculpture to have in such a prominent position on the Showground.”

Read more 

• Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Show set for sell-out
• Royal visitor to Great Yorkshire Show revealed
• Poet Laureate unveils poem carved into stones at Brimham Rocks

The Great Yorkshire Show looks set to be a sell-out for the third year in a row.

The four-day show takes place from July 11 to 14 and all tickets for the Wednesday have already been snapped up. Standard adult tickets cost £32.

Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the farming charity that organises the event, adopted the four-day format and capped the number of tickets at 35,000 a day during covid due to social distancing requirements but has continued with it since. Tickets are now only sold in advance too.

Allister Nixon chief executive of the society, said:

“We have seen unprecedented demand for tickets, selling out Wednesday already and our membership sold out in April.

“It shows the depth of support and love for the show and we can’t wait to welcome visitors in less than three weeks’ time. At this stage, we have tickets remaining for the Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of the show which we do expect to sell out so please, if you are planning to come along, book now to avoid disappointment.”

Huge range of activities

The Great Yorkshire Showground is always packed with stalls and activities during the event and this year will be no exception.

A new free Great Yorkshire Show app, which will be available to download next week, includes an interactive map and schedule of events. 

The Cock O The North competition in the main ring on the Thursday will feature some of the UK’s best showjumpers. The main ring will also host flying Frenchman Lorenzo, who last appeared in 2018.

The best of British livestock will be on show as the Beef Shorthorn, Charolais and Longhorn Cattle Societies all host their national competitions. The show will also feature several thousand sheep, all vying for the top title.

The pole climbing championships is returning and sheepdogs will be held each day .

Read more:

• Royal visitor to Great Yorkshire Show revealed
• Great Yorkshire Show organisers put faith in First 4 IT 

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.

Read more:

• Voice of the Great Yorkshire Show retires after 38 years
• New 5G mast at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground approved
• Bid to improve WiFi at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground

This story is sponsored by First 4 IT.

The organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show have a lot to think about – visitors, exhibitors, parking, and even the weather – but one thing they needn’t worry about is technology. 

That’s because the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS), which puts on the show each July, entrusts all its IT systems to Harrogate company First 4 IT – and has done for the last 18 years. 

Andrew Velvin, managing director of First 4 IT which is based at Hornbeam Park, said: 

“IT support is crucial for businesses, organisations, and events to ensure that technology systems are running smoothly and efficiently. In the case of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and Great Yorkshire Show, IT support is essential to provide reliable connectivity and technical assistance for exhibitors, vendors, visitors and indeed the organisation itself. Rapid response and quick resolution are also a critical part of our service delivery.” 

For a recent overhaul of the Great Yorkshire Show’s systems, First 4 IT undertook an in-depth assessment.

First 4 IT looked at the number of exhibitors, vendors, and visitors. The company considered the type of devices they use, and their connectivity requirements. Andrew said:

“Based on this, we designed a customised IT plan that addresses the specific needs of the event. We worked with the organisers to ensure that our plan is aligned with their vision and objectives for the event.”

A significant investment in IT

So ahead of this year’s Show, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society has made a significant investment in its IT systems.

First 4 IT’s support for the Show included setting up high-speed internet points throughout the showground. The team ensured that all areas have access to an encrypted network that can cope with streaming and card payments. 

Confidence in the Show’s online integrity is vital. So the company ensures that all data collected during the event – such as exhibitor registrations and visitor surveys – is secure. 

The team at First 4 IT will also be providing technical help and a troubleshooting service throughout the Show to exhibitors, vendors and visitors. 

And when the Great Yorkshire Show – one of the premiere agricultural shows in England – is all over, First 4 IT provides the YAS with post-event support. This includes analysing data collected during the event, providing a detailed report of the IT support provided during the event, including any feedback received, and providing recommendations for future improvements.  

High praise for First 4 IT

Allister Nixon, chief executive of the YAS, said:

“First 4 IT is not only located nearby but also demonstrates a high level of proactivity and quick responsiveness in addressing any issues that may arise.” 

Put simply, First 4 IT is one of YAS’s trusted partners and has been relied upon to put on many a successful show.

Andrew said: 

“We provide customised IT support that meets the specific needs of the event, ensuring that exhibitors, vendors, and visitors have a seamless experience. With our experienced team of IT professionals and state-of-the-art technology solutions, we ensure that the event runs smoothly and efficiently.”

The 164th Great Yorkshire Show will be held at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate from Tuesday 11 to Friday 14 July, 2023.

Find out more: 

Whether you’re putting on a great show or have more modest, but no less essential, requirements, call First 4 IT on 01423 859 370 to see how we can help, or check out our website at www.first4it.co.uk.