Fun for family and animal friends at Countryside Live

One of the last of the season’s county shows is ready to welcome thousands of visitors through its gates. The 12th Countryside Live weekend has a mix of new attractions and popular favourites for a fun family day out. Last year 12,689 visitors enjoyed a snapshot of rural life, and the chance to be ‘hands on’ with many of the activities at the show organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.

Bill Cowling, show director said: ‘Countryside Live has gone from strength to strength and has carved its own niche in the rural calendar, whilst benefiting from the reputation of the Great Yorkshire Show. It highlights the vital role our farmers play in providing our food and caring for the countryside and it is a super day out, particularly for families with young children.’

The show takes place on October 18th and 19th and activities include competitive classes for cattle, sheep and horses, as well as for poultry, pigeons and honey. There is a Search for a Talented Showjumper contest hosted by Olympic stars Graham and Tina Fletcher during which riders are put through their paces over the weekend. The prize is a trip to the Fletchers’ yard.

There is a wide range of equine classes over the weekend, plus for the first time youngsters can enjoy pony rides and the Northern Show Cross event has been expanded to run over two days rather than one. Held in the Main Ring, this year it also includes an inter-team relay contest as well as the grand final.

Elsewhere there is have-a-go-archery, the chance to try mountain biking on a purpose-built woodland course with demonstrations in the outdoor arena. North Yorkshire’s Ben Potter is once again joining the weekend’s line-up with his amazing birds of prey demonstrations.

Farriers from across the UK will also be showing off their skills. Diggerland is back by popular demand, whilst the Create and Explore area offers a range of hands-on activities including bread and sausage making, willow weaving and felt making.

Another popular aspect of the weekend is the Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Show, and visitors can also enjoy the tug of war competitions as well as Richard Savory’s entertaining and informative Sheep Show.

For the latest information and to buy tickets please see countrysidelive.co.uk or call 01423 541000.