From hands-on fun and excitement for kids to outstanding displays of rural crafts and traditions, the Countryside Live Food and Farming Fair is all set to open its doors next weekend.

Young visitors learning how to be responsible pet owners

The event takes place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.

A showcase for the farming industry and the countryside, the two day event includes a range of country-based activities, entertainment, a cookery theatre, a wide range of stands and competitive classes for cattle and sheep.

Thrill-seekers can enjoy daring displays by the Xtreme Motorcycle team or have a go at the climbing wall, whilst there's also the chance to watch teams pit their strength in the Yorkshire Tug-of-War Championships, organised by the Young Farmers.

The Family Pet Centre is sure to be popular with youngsters. Sponsored by Excel, visitors can learn how to be responsible pet owners with the help of rabbits and guinea pigs from Bunny Burrows, a rescue home in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

This year sees Countryside Live hosting Knaresborough Horticultural Society's Late Annual Flower, Vegetable and Produce Show for the first time, and the introduction of a new Championship Chrysanthemum class.

Horticultural Society Chairman Mike Prest said: "We've increased the number of exhibits and are looking forward to a bigger show than usual. It's the first time in 150 years that we've not held the show in Knaresborough, but this is still very much a local show - it's where our members get the chance to show off what they have produced. The new chrysanthemum class has bigger prizes than usual and we'll be auctioning off all the produce at the end of the weekend."

He added: "In addition to the exhibits and our plant stall, we are also offering gardening advice and people are welcome to bring along a soil sample for analysis. This service will be free to our members and will cost £2 for non-members. We look forward to seeing everyone there."

A Honey Show has also been introduced, and of course some of the country's finest livestock will be on display as sheep, and cattle compete for the honours in the competitive classes.

Staying true to its roots, the Village Green area will host rural crafts and displays, including woodturning demonstrations by a group of international champions. The HACS Group are sponsors of The Village Green.

Simon Whitehead, Darrell Rushworth, Bryan Scott and Phil Burnley will be making a range of items such as boxes, spindles and bowls each day at 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.15pm. There will be tips and advice on how visitors can try their hand at woodturning.

Yorkshire artist Les Packham will give a watercolour demonstration each afternoon, and there will be a stand with a selection of his paintings, prints and calendars for people to browse and buy.

Jonathan Manby, master cooper at Theakstons Brewery in Masham, will show his skills at barrel-making and popular Harrogate sculptor Steve Blaylock will unveil his latest stunning creation.

Comprising a 7ft-high set of bulrushes and two stainless steel dragonflies each with a wingspan of 6ft, the piece is sure to attract attention. Competing for visitors' attention, however, will be Monty - Steve's North American great-horned eagle owl. "I'm looking forward to seeing the public's response to my creations and being part of Countryside Live for the second year," said Steve. "I will also be displaying a sculpture of a long-eared owl on a perch with a 4ft wingspan, which was loosely modelled on Monty."

The Yorkshire Life Cookery Theatre offers a packed programme of mouth-watering demonstrations, and there will be a wide variety of trade stands selling everything from the very best gourmet Yorkshire produce to fine jewellery, country clothing and home furnishings.

Countryside Live! is open from 9am to 5pm on the Saturday and from 9am to 4.30pm on the Sunday. Tickets are available on the door and cost £8 for adults with concessions £7. Children up to 18 years and members of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society are admitted free.

For more information, visit the website at www.countrysidelive.co.uk or contact the organisers on 01423 541000.

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