THE countdown is now on to the 2021 Kilnsey Show & Sports with a new show president in place.

The event will go ahead with a full schedule of show classes, plus multiple attractions, on Tuesday, August 31.

Organisers, Upper Wharfedale Agricultural Society, gave the thumbs up to the staging of the annual Yorkshire Dales showpiece at their latest committee meeting in late July, when local farmer Robert Lambert, of Mile House, Conistone-with-Kilnsey, was officially installed as show president, taking over from Skipton’s Dr Peter Whitehead.

Show stalwart Mr Lambert, who was first elected to the committee in 1968, becoming vice-chairman in 1998, then serving as chairman from 2003-2018, paid tribute to fellow committee members for pulling out all the stops to ensure that this year’s highlight should and must go on.

A host of Covid-safe measures include the creation of more space on the showground for those attending, incorporating a one-way system, an additional show arena for various classes to provide more space for exhibitors, restrictions on the number of people allowed in marquees, additional sanitising facilities, security and stewarding.

For the first time this year, an advance online e-ticket sales facility is being offered, allowing the organisers to determine potential visitor numbers ahead of show day. This went live on July 27 and will run until August 17, with special discounts available as an added incentive for early bookers. Afterwards, tickets will still be available online at the full price, with any remaining tickets to be sold on the gate.

Show chairman Chris Windle said: “Under our in-depth Covid-safe policy, it’s first come, first served as far as tickets are concerned. We urge those planning to attend to take full advantage of this new online facility as soon as possible to avoid potential disappointment.”

There will be more than 90 silver cups and trophies on offer in the keynote sheep and cattle classes, which offer £17,000 in prize money, and will see supreme champions crowned in both. Horses are again to the fore in the ever-popular equine classes to be staged in the central eventing arena.

All the usual produce, horticulture, handicrafts, photography and associated classes will again be on the agenda, including a children’s section, along with dry stone walling, vintage tractors and sheep dog trials.

A show schedule giving full details of all classes (entries opened on July 27 and will close on August 17) is now available online at www.kilnseyshow.co.uk.

New secretary Abigail Eggleston is best contacted by email at info@kilnseyshow.co.uk.