The organisers of the British National Ploughing Championships & Country Festival, which are taking place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th October, are hoping that the wet weather stays away this weekend.

Some 15,000 visitors are expected to attend this amazing two-day event which is taking place at Crockey Hill, just south of York.

Various weather forecasts have been consulted - some say rain, some say not - but the organisers say that spirits won't be dampened by any rainfall!

The Championships are a highlight of the farming year - and feature champion ploughmen from throughout the country using various styles of equipment - modern tractors pulling conventional and reversible ploughs, vintage tractors pulling different types of old ploughs and magnificent heavy horses with their ancient horse drawn ploughs. Visitors can also see displays and working demonstrations of vintage tractors and machinery dating from the early part of the twentieth century, right through to the 1970s and the rare opportunity to see giant steam ploughing engines at work as well as an old-fashioned threshing machine.

The heavy horses are always a spectacular sight. A dozen pairs of these magnificent beasts will be showing their skills reminding us of a much slower way of life. In contrast, the machinery manufacturers of the present day will be showing what can be done in well less than an hour what the horses could only manage in a day. With all this, plus trade stands and craft stalls, the event promises to be a day to remember which will not be repeated in the area for a while, as it moves around the country each year and this is the first time it has been held in North Yorkshire for over 30 years.

Charlie Halliday, Chairman of the Society of Ploughmen who are organising the event, commented: "This really is a fantastic day out - there's something for all the family and a rare chance to see how farming has changed over the years. Rain will certainly not stop play - if it rains at the weekend, it will be business as usual. The only difference would be is to bring some wellies, or buy a pair while you're there!"

The Championships will take place on land at Wheldrake Lane (off the A19) at Crockey Hill, just south of York. It will be well signed from major roads in the vicinity.

British National Ploughing Championships & Country Festival
Massive Trade Support for British Ploughmen
Yorkshireman Sets New World Ploughing Record