Organisers of Britain’s biggest annual one-day agricultural show have hailed Defra’s decision to expand the Bluetongue protection zone as a major boost that will help maximise entries in the livestock classes.

Kilnsey Show

Farmer Robert Lambert, chairman of Upper Wharfedale Agricultural Society, organisers of the 110th Kilnsey Show, on Tuesday, August 26, welcomed news that the zone would this week widen to cover all parts of North Yorkshire – including Upper Wharfedale – and neighbouring Lancashire, with open arms.

He said: “Kilnsey remains a traditional livestock-led agricultural show and was hard hit last year when foot and mouth resulted in the cancellation of sheep and cattle classes.

“We have been on a knife-edge regarding the Bluetongue situation, but the latest extension is the best news possible and will now allow us to accept entries in the livestock classes from across Craven, North and West Yorkshire, Lancashire – and beyond.”

A total of £6,500 in prize money is available in the livestock classes alone, part of an overall prize fund of £16,000, with 78 trophies to be won.

Entries for livestock classes close on Tuesday, August 12, and feature: Cattle - Pedigree Dairy, Jersey, Commercial Beef, Limousin, Highland and British (Belgian) Blue. Sheep - Dalesbread, Swaledale, Teeswater & Masham, Blue Faced Leicester, Mules, Suffolk, Texel, Beltex, Jacob, Lonk and Gritstone.

Horse entries close on Saturday, August 16, and there are sections for heavy horses, ridden horses, local riding classes, Dales ponies and working hunters.

There are also competition classes for produce, handicrafts, photography, art, flowers and flower arrangements, vegetables, working sheep dogs, walking sticks, tractor handling, vintage tractors, dry stone walling and farm crops. Entries here also close on Saturday, August 16, as do entries for Kilnsey Sports, a day earlier for harness racing entries.

A full schedule of classes and prizes is available from show secretary Kathy Lambert on 01756 753259 or e-mail info@kilnseyshow.co.uk

As the 2008 Kilnsey Show fast approaches, organisers are confident that it has all the makings of being one of the biggest and best on record, offering a host of different events and activities that will appeal to all the family.

Food and Farming for REAL (Rural & Regeneration, Education & Environment, Agriculture & Arts, Local & Leisure) has again made a major contribution to the show and will shine the spotlight on the very best of what the region has to offer. Some 25 exhibitors will set up stall in the REAL marquee, showcasing local produce, regional arts and culture, rural crafts and skills.

Livestock classes are supplemented by horse events throughout the day - show jumping, shires, hunters and harness racing. Sheepdog trials will attract many of the top dog handlers, supported by displays and demonstrations surrounding all aspects of agricultural and rural life. Up to 100 trade stands and 40 food stalls will be present.

A food hall with the accent on regional produce is being run by Northern Dales Farmers Markets, one of the leading financial supporters of the show, while well-known local chefs will stage cookery master-classes featuring local produce.

As organisers pull out all the stops to give Kilnsey Show all-round family appeal, there’s much more to interest younger visitors this year, including a children’s educational area. The Harvesting the Sun Ring will feature a parade of sheep and cattle, along with other farm animals and a dog and ducks display. This will also be supported by a hands-on opportunity to smell, feel and touch the animals.

The renowned Crag Race is the highlight of the annual Kilnsey Sports later in the day.

Entry to Kilnsey Show & Sports is £8 for adults and £1 for children, with under 5s free and ample free parking available near the showfield. Gates open for exhibitors at 8.00am, to the public an hour later and close at 7.00pm.

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