Family fun and rural education on offer at Tockwith Show

Thousands of people will flock to a field in the Harrogate district on Sunday for the annual Tockwith Show.

One of the biggest agricultural shows in the region, it boasts more than 800 classes, 120 trophies and just over £6,000 in prize money.

Along with providing a family-friendly event, the organising committee is keen to ensure the show serves another purpose.

Show committee chair Georgina Watson said:

“It’s a really important event for the community because, as well as being a fun day for everyone, it provides a valuable educational opportunity.

“Farming has faced many changes and challenges since this event was first held as a horticultural show way back in 1945, but each year since then the show has been able to reflect the importance of the industry in this region, and this year is no exception.”

In the farmers’ market section, demonstrations will be given by experts including BBC Masterchef quarter-finalist Owen Diaram.

With this year’s show themed around pigs, the Harrogate-based private chef will be demonstrating one of his dishes from the show: stuffed pork tenderloin with a deep wood mushroom glaze.

Georgina added:

“Everything is looking good for a great family day out. There’s something in this year’s show for everyone – now we’re just keeping our fingers crossed for a warm sunny day.”

Tickets are £12.50, or free for children aged 12 and under, and available online in advance or on the gate.

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Birstwith and Weeton shows attract weekend crowds

Two of the Harrogate district’s premier village shows attracted sizeable crowds over the weekend.

Weeton Show drew its biggest attendance for 15 years on Sunday as early morning rain gave way to fine weather.

The event was one of the few country shows to defy covid last year and take place.

Here are some images from the day.

Weeton Show

Weeton Show

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Birstwith Show bounced back strongly with its first event in three years.

3SIXTY Bicycle Stunt Team (pictured below) were among the attractions at the Nidderdale event, which dates back to 1867.

Community prepares for return of Birstwith Show this weekend

Visitors are expected to flock to the show field in Birstwith tomorrow for the first annual village show in three years.

Last held in 2019, the show is already attracting more interest than in previous years, with advance ticket sales up and a flurry of late bookings for trade stands in recent weeks.

Andrea Walwyn, a member of the organising committee, told the Stray Ferret:

“It’s going really very well. It has been a difficult couple of years and we haven’t had a show since 2019.

“This year we’ve had a real influx of volunteers and I think one of the reasons is because there has been a lot of new houses in the village. I think those people haven’t lived in a village before and they’re really excited to be involved in village life.”

As well as the traditional attractions, there have been a number of changes to this year’s show, which begins at noon.

When the show princess parades into the ring, for the first time her attendants will be two boys instead of two girls.

The show ring will have displays including 3Sixty Stunt Team, Harrogate District Dance Company and Pete White’s Suitcase Circus, and entries will be welcome on the day for the dog classes.

And while there will be the usual array of classes for everything from children’s baking to crafts, there have been some new trends in the entries received.

Ms Walwyn said:

“We’ve had a lot of entries, particularly in cookery classes. The fruit and veg classes are down, probably because of the weather this year, but cookery classes are up.

“We only usually get three entries in the painting class and this year we have got about 20. We wondered if people during lockdowns have been painting and cooking more.

“It’s interesting how things have changed in terms of our exhibitions.”

Tickets for the event will be available on the gate at £5 per adult, while children go free. Following the daytime entertainment, three bands will provide live music in the marquee from 6.30pm.

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Meanwhile, Weeton Show also takes place this weekend, with the gates opening at 9am on Sunday.

Brass bands, vintage tractors, rural craft demonstrations and a bar featuring Daleside Brewery’s exclusive show ale Weeton Wiggle will all be on offer.

Tickets are only available in advance via the website and organisers have warned people to book early after last year’s show sold out. Entry is £10 for adult and £5 for children, with those under five going free.