Peacocks and hens found abandoned near BoroughbridgeNew competitions added to line-up as Weeton Show returns

Cyclists of all ages and abilities are being invited to take part in a new competition at Weeton Show.

The traditional show, which has been running for almost 80 years, is introducing the Grass Track Cycle Race, with three categories for entries.

Adults, teenagers aged 13 to 17, and children aged 12 and under will be able to take part.

A spokesperson for the organising committee said:

“Weeton Show is looking for competitors to get involved in this fast and exciting sport. All you need is a helmet, a bike and brakes that work.”

The racing will begin at 11.30am in the main ring and entries will be £3 for adults and £2 for under 18s. Places can be booked in advance by emailing the organisers.

Taking place on Sunday, July 30, Weeton Show is returning to full strength for the first time since the covid pandemic.

As well as the grass track races, a number of other new features have been added to the line-up this year.

In the horse classes, a new category of community pony has been introduced, aiming to make the competition open to everyone. The spokesperson said:

“For Weeton Show, showing isn’t about the pressure to be perfect but to take part and enjoy the event which is why it’s introduced a blemished but cherished class for owners who have a much loved pony that may not be ‘picture perfect’ and not a conventional show pony – possibly due to a past injury or poor confirmation.

“For those unable to attend the show with their four-legged friend, there is the opportunity to enter a pony online in the community pony class. This class is an open class for everyone living within a 20-mile radius of the showground.

“Many ponies help children with disabilities at riding for the disabled groups or are used to help with behaviour or for therapy at centres – this is an opportunity for people to nominate their special friend.”

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The traditional equine classes also return, including a heavy horse accumulator run in conjunction with Otley and Ripley shows, with prize money on offer at the end.

There are also classes for dogs, sheep and poultry, as well as horticulture and produce categories, and a children’s competition. Details of all the classes are available on the show’s website.

For those not competing, the entertainment in the main ring includes vintage tractors, terrier racing, competitive games and a fancy dress class.

Children’s entertainment, live music from brass bands, and food and drink stands will complete the day for visitors.

Tickets are available in advance online. If any are still available on Sunday, they will be sold on the gate, but organisers recommend booking in advance.

Bird flu forces cancellation of poultry classes at Great Yorkshire Show

All poultry classes at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show have been cancelled because of government attempts to prevent the spread of bird flu.

National restrictions remain in place and, with a confirmed outbreak in Nottinghamshire last weekend, the ban on bird gatherings will not be lifted in time for the show, which takes place from Tuesday, July 12 to Friday, July 15.

Organisers the Yorkshire Agricultural Society had been working closely with the Animal and Plant Health Agency to try to make the poultry classes possible, but said they now have “no other option” but to cancel.

Show director Charles Mills said:

“We are so sorry to disappoint our poultry exhibitors and really want to extend our support in these difficult times.

“Unfortunately, we have no other option than to cancel the poultry classes this year due to the restrictions, but we will be staging an egg show for any interested exhibitors.”

The decision will not affect pigeon competitions or bird of prey demonstrations, which will go ahead as planned.

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The show has previously had to cancel classes for other animals because of concerns about the spread of disease.

In 2019, pig classes were called off after an animal at another event showed signs of illness.

During the foot and mouth outbreak of 2001, the entire show was cancelled for the first time since the second world war.

This year’s event runs for four days – only the second time in its history to do so, after being extended in 2021 to spread crowds over a longer period.

Among the special guests will be Princess Anne, who will attend on the Tuesday.