Tickets for the Great Yorkshire Show sold out across all four days last week, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS) has said.
The show, which kicks off today (Tuesday, July 9) and runs through to Friday (July 12), is expected to attract 140,000 visitors.
There are over 12,000 entries across 21 competition sections from showjumping to the finest cattle, goats, pigs and sheep as well as dairy and cheese.
Yesterday (Monday, July 8) saw the finishing touches being put to displays including the Grimme Potato Harvester V470 Platinum.
Over near the garden show, Yorkshire and North-East flower farmers came together to create floral displays on a new bandstand at the discovery zone and a tractor.
On the Vertu Motors GYS stage, Helen Skelton, Adam Henson and Peter Wright of The Yorkshire Vet and Rob and Dave Nicholson from Cannon Hall Farm will be appearing in chat shows hosted by TV’s Christine Talbot.
Two new classes have been introduced this year. It will be the first time the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifier, for the British Ridden Heavy Horses, will take place in the ring at the show.
‘Competition is fierce’
Show director, Charles Mills, said: “This is where the best of farming food and countryside comes together for farmers and the public. Where else can you find the finest cattle alongside the best showjumpers in the country?
“The competition is fierce throughout the week and the accolade of winning at the Great Yorkshire remains huge.
“We are very proud of the show and all who come together to help deliver it. We are sure visitors will have a fantastic time.”
Models from the Farm to Fashion Show in Sheep Shearing took time out of catwalk rehearsals to meet exhibitors James and daughter Anna Waterhouse who will be competing with Ayrshire cows.
Farm to Fashion Shows reflect the journey from sheep to woollen clothes and there will be two fashion shows a day, running at 12:00p.m and 4:30p.m and on Friday at 12:00p.m and 3:00p.m.
YAS said it looks forward to hosting over 100 farmers from all over the world for the World Ayrshire Federation Annual Conference 2024 as part of a UK Tour.
The Great Yorkshire Show will be the only agricultural show they will attend as part of an 18-day tour to see how UK farmers breed Ayrshire cattle and to share best practice.
Show organisers have said attendees can expect “cutting edge” machinery, the latest in innovation as well as countryside displays and demonstrations, cookery, food and drink.
For the first time at the show, a craft beer bar will be open in the food hall and there will also be a Battle of the Butchers where craftsmanship, creativity and innovation will be rewarded.
