Meet Lower Dunsforth’s showjumping prodigyNew 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.

Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Show set for sell-out

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 .

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