Great Yorkshire Show ready to welcome 130,000 visitors
MORE than 130,000 visitors are expected to flock to the 155th Great Yorkshire Show, which starts today.
The sun is forecast to shine on the three-day event at the 250-acre Harrogate showground, a welcome contrast to last year when torrential downpours during the wettest summer on record saw the cancellation of the last two days of the 2012 show.
More than £500,000 has been spent ‘weather-proofing’ the site in readiness for this year’s showcase on rural life but it looks like blue skies all the way, according to Nigel Pulling, chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
Mr Pulling, who said he was looking forward to a wonderful Great Yorkshire Show this year, said: “What a difference a year makes. The contrast to last year could not be greater. The weather during the build up to the event has been ideal and we are looking forward to a fantastic three days.”
As well as around 8,000 animals competing for the championship prizes, the prestigious showcase of agricultural and country life will play host to a wide 
range of well-known celebrities over the next three days, including author Jilly Cooper, TV chef Rosemary Shrager and gardening expert Christine Walkden.
Highlights include a mock battle staged by The Yorkshire regiment each day in the main ring, with displays by The White Helmets, The Royal Signals’ Motor Cycle Display Team, taking place daily.
Top class showjumping is also on the agenda with the prestigious Ripon Select Foods Cock O’ the North Trophy – with the 2013 Grand National winner Auroras Encore and his famous trainers Harvey and Sue Smith making a guest appearance on the final day.
Well-known high-street fashion labels including Pure Collection and Hobbs will be showcasing their collections in the Skipton Building Society Fashion Pavilion alongside up-and-coming designers from colleges across the region, while the extensive food hall, country pursuits area and shopping opportunities will attract thousands of visitors over the three days.
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The show is open daily from 7.30am to 7.30pm, and until 6.30pm on Thursday.
