Ticket sales are going well for this year’s Countryside Live, with the number of tickets currently booked 50% up on number sold for the event in both 2007 and 2006, say organisers the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Enjoying a bit of retail therapy at
Countryside Live

Countryside Live, the ‘little sister’ of the annual Great Yorkshire Show, is now in its sixth year and is firmly established as one of the region’s leading rural events. It takes place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate

Bill Cowling, Honorary Show Director said: “The phone lines and our internet system have been extremely busy which we’re delighted with. Certainly having the cattle and sheep classes back puts the heart back into the event, and of course this year we have a new equestrian section. We’re looking forward to an excellent two days.”

The number of people attending the rural showcase has steadily increased over the years, with the record of 9,200 established in 2006. Last year Foot and Mouth restrictions resulted in livestock classes having to be cancelled.

There are a host of new attractions for 2008 which are sure to draw the crowds, including horsemanship master classes with international show jumper Graham Fletcher, an equestrian show which is open to all and a demonstration of pedigree pigs, backed by the British Pig Association.

Another first will be the Sausage Sizzle – a competition to find the country’s best sausage makers. There will be some exotic sausages competing for top honours, including peach and white stilton and beer and mustard.

Similarly the event will feature llamas for the first time. Owner Suzanne Benson is bringing along two of her seven animals, Harry and Ike. A farmer’s wife, Mrs Benson has been breeding llamas for the past five years and plans to start a llama trekking business in the New Year from her farm at Wilsill, Pateley Bridge near Harrogate.

The popular National Festival of Meat has again drawn interest from across the country with 20 entries in the Ribs of Beef section, and 31 in the Saddle of Lamb classes. The competition is organized by the Royal Smithfield Club.

Ideas on how to make the most of home-grown or farm picked fruit will be on the menu at the ever-popular Cookery Theatre, which will see some of the region’s leading chefs taking to the stage and demonstrating some imaginative recipes.

Dog agility demonstrations take place regularly throughout the weekend and other “must-sees” include a new motor show and of course, lots of shopping opportunities. There are also classes for poultry and pigeons and the Young Farmers will be hard at work in stock judging classes.

Visitors will also have the chance to get ‘hands-on’ with a wide range of traditional crafts at Countryside Live, including hand-weaving and spinning, candle-making and bread making.

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