Great Yorks opens with great hopes for a fine week

1:30am Tuesday 8th July 2008

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FINAL preparations are underway as the 150th Great Yorkshire Show prepares to welcome Her Majesty The Queen.

The three-day event opens today.

It is the Queen's first visit since she attended during her Silver Jubilee in 1977 and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which organises the show, is hoping for a successful event - despite forecasts of heavy rain and reduced livestock entries due to the Blue Tongue disease affecting other parts of the country.

When asked whether the weather would put visitors off, show spokesman Judy Thompson said: "Certainly not. Our advance ticket sales are up 40 per cent on the previous year so we are very much ahead of the game. The forecast is sunshine and showers and we had to contend with a lot worse last year."

Ms Thompson confirmed that the Blue Tongue problem affecting South Yorkshire, East Riding and Hull, meant that livestock entries were 40 per cent lower than last year, but said entries overall were still good.

There are 671 livestock entries this year, compared with 1,100 last year. There will also be 937 sheep and 332 pigs.

The entries for all categories this year are 10,413, which is slightly down on last year's record of 11,789.

The show's honorary director, Bill Cowling, said: "The reputation of the show for providing an excellent day out for all the family, and as a showcase for the farming industry, means its popularity continues to grow, so we're set for an excellent three days."

The show is the largest countryside event in the north and attracts visitors from all over the region.

The first show, a one-day event, was held in York in August 1838. Like other agricultural shows, it moved around until the Harrogate showground was bought for £16,500 in 1950.

This year's attractions include an equestrian display by the Great Lorenzo in the main ring and performances by one of the world's most famous brass bands, the Black Dyke Band.

The 30 metre high Great Yorkshire Show Wheel offers stunning views of the countryside, while the new Small Gardens competition will offer plenty of inspiration to visitors.

Tickets on the gate cost £20 for adults, £16 for concessions or £9 for children. A family ticket costs £51.

Parking is free, but the YAS is encouraging visitors to help the environment by car sharing or travelling by train and using the free shuttle bus services from the station.

For more details visit www.yas.co.uk or www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk