Lady Halifax presenting the Sheep Championship award to the Taylor family, Countryside Live 2004

Plans for the third Countryside Live Food & Farming Fair are well underway with top class cattle and sheep, entertainment including motorcycle displays, the Great Yorkshire Cookery Competition, the Yorkshire Woodfair plus pigeon and poultry shows on the agenda for 2005.

Dates for the event are Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October and the venue is the Yorkshire Event Centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.

“Countryside Live aims to bring the best of the outside inside, and is a great day out for everyone.” said Bill Cowling, Honorary Show Director. Countryside Live is organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and is often described as the “little sister” of the popular Great Yorkshire Show.

“We have the benefit of superb buildings to house the livestock classes, many of the stands and demonstrations, as well as the showground for elements, such as the Tug of War and motor cycle displays, which are better suited to being outside,” he continued.

The livestock classes are an important part of the event. Last year saw 163 cattle and 306 sheep forward. The 2004 Cattle Championship was taken by Phil Sellers of Belper, Derbys. with his 14 month old Limousin Cross heifer, Mistique and in the sheep, the honours went to Simon and Audrey Taylor of Cumberworth, Huddersfield with their Texel cross entries.

“The Show has been fortunate enough to have had the support of farmers from the beginning, and all the signs are that this year will be no exception,” said Mr Cowling. The Royal Smithfield Club's National Festival of Meat is again included and will feature butchery demonstrations for the first time.

Over the two days visitors can enjoy motorcycle displays, Quad Bike and Dodgem Rides, and the popular Climbing Wall. The Education Area is a “must” for visitors of all ages, and this year will feature a Children's Pumpkin Competition to link in with Hallowe'en.

Around the site there will be dozens of stands selling fantastic Yorkshire produce and demonstrations of country skills. Making the most of Yorkshire fare is top of the agenda in the cookery theatre where the winners of the Great Yorkshire Cookery Competition will be demonstrating their prize winning dishes, along side some of the region's finest chefs.

The Yorkshire Woodfair, which is held every other year, returns, and for the first time there will be a pigeon show, as well as the popular poultry classes.

Tickets are on sale now and cost £7 for Adults and £6 for concessions, with savings for tickets booked in advance. There is free admission for children. The show opens at 9.30am each day and closes at 5pm on Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday.

For further information please check out the website www.countrysidelive.co.uk or call on 01423 541000.