8 must-visit rural shows in the Harrogate area to enjoy this summer11-foot sunflower leaves rivals in the shade at Kirkby Malzeard

A 350cm sunflower stood tall at the annual Kirkby Malzeard and District Flower and Produce Show on Saturday.

The sunflower, which is over 11 feet tall, was found to be the tallest in one of many categories judged at the show.

This year’s show, which was the 41st, featured a record breaking number of entries.

The judging included categories for vegetables and fruit, flowers and plants, flower arranging, arts and crasfts, photography, preserves, produce and record breakers.

There were also categories for children and funny shaped fruit and vegetables.

Here are some of the exhibits.

 

 

The event began as a marrow competition in the pub in 1982.

Committee member Heather Clark-Kelly said:

“All money raised goes towards being able to fund the following year’s show.

“Its so lovely to have an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate together and have a bit of fun.”

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Fun for all ages as Birstwith Show returns this weekend

Children’s entertainment will take centre stage as an annual village show returns to Nidderdale this weekend.

Birstwith Show takes place on Saturday, July 29 and has introduced a number of new features this year after asking for feedback from the community.

Show committee member Amy Howard said:

“People felt there was a gap for teenagers and a gap for toddlers, so we’ve got a toddler tent this year with hay bales and toys.

“We’ve got two sessions with Hazel, who does singing and signing for toddlers. Parents can have a sit down and it’s near the play area too, so they can keep an eye on their older children at the same time.

“For teenagers, we’ve got a silent disco this year, so they can have a bit of fun and a bit of a chill. I’m sure there will be a few grown-ups in there as well!”

Also new this year will be a dog and duck display in the main ring, along with the usual popular mix of entertainment.

Children’s races, a tug-o-war, a dog show with Miss Mollies Rescue, and live music through the day and into the evening are also on the programme.

Another new feature will be food demonstrations, including two by the Little Yorkshire Scone company. As well as showing how to make savoury scones, the company will demonstrate recipes to use up leftovers.

Ms Howard said the schedule of classes has proved popular this year, with Birstwith Primary School and other village organisations getting involved. She added:

“Entries are up this year. We were a bit low last year and we think it’s just people getting back into the swing of shows post-covid.”

The tents and marquees are all in place thanks to the team of volunteers, and trade stands, food and drink stalls will be ready to welcome visitors from noon on Saturday.

Soldiers from the Army Foundation College will be on hand to help with parking and traffic management on the day.

Entry is £7.50 on the gate or £7 in advance via the website, until midnight on Friday.

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New 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.

Organisers gear up for first Ripley Show in three years

Ripley Show will make its return this weekend after a three-year break – and organisers say enthusiasm has never been higher.

With a sunny forecast and plenty of advance tickets already sold, the show field at Ripley is set to be packed with visitors on Sunday.

Having last been held in 2019 before the covid pandemic, the show is returning in its familiar format, with livestock and equestrian classes, a companion dog show, and horticulture and craft competitions.

The main ring will feature displays of heavy horses, a hound parade and an “anti-gravity” show from Savage Skills.

Show secretary Tammy Smith said:

“The preparations are going well. We’re all a little bit rusty after three years off and trying to remember what we all should be doing, but everybody’s pitching in and turning up.

“It’s amazing, all the volunteers are incredible – they just arrive and get on with sorting everything out.

“It’s great to be getting back to it.”

Ms Smith said while some of the volunteers had moved on since the last show, there had been a number of new people offering to help and Knaresborough Young Farmers was also bringing its members to keep things running smoothly.

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With the forecast looking sunny and hot, with highs of 30C, Ms Smith said the organisers will be keeping an eye on conditions to ensure animals, exhibitors and visitors were kept safe and well.

Tickets for the show are available in advance on the website, which organisers said will speed up entry on the day.

Some tickets will still be available on the gate at £15 for adults and £6 for children aged between five and 16. Family tickets are available and Ripley Show also offers membership, with benefits including preferential car parking.

Historic Hampsthwaite village celebration set for return

It was first established by Royal Charter in 1304 and has been enjoyed by villagers ever since.

Now, following a two-year break due to the pandemic, the Hampsthwaite Feast and show is returning this weekend.

This year the event, which is organised by volunteers for residents in the village, will start on Friday evening, kicking off with children’s races.

Saturday will include a pet show and a new and improved Hampsthwaite Run, which has been opened up to competitors from outside the village.

The Hampsthwaite Feast Show will take place in the memorial hall and the traditional feast fancy dress parade is also back, accompanied by Tewit Youth Band. This year’s theme is ‘Children’s TV – past and present’.

The event, which is aimed at emphasising the village’s “wonderful community spirit”, will finish with fireworks on Saturday night.

Feast secretary Vicki Dixon said:

“We are really thrilled it’s coming back this year. Last year we had a smaller event, but we weren’t able to do more than that. So we are really looking forward to celebrating as a village again.”

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