Last year entries were hit by the restrictions imposed due to the Blue Tongue outbreak.

Honorary Show Director, Bill Cowling said: "This is an amazing total, and it is very evident that there is a huge enthusiasm for the Great Yorkshire Show, and indeed for rural life generally."

There are classes across 24 different sections, from driving four in hand coaches to classes for honey, poultry, show jumping and the backbone of the event… the cattle, sheep and pig sections.

Mr Cowling continued: "This year we have a number of individual records – in sheep we have 1,832 entries which is a marvellous total by anyone's standards, wool entries are strong at 210 – the previous best was 189, lamb carcase numbers stand at 80 and our cheese and dairy show equals last year's best of 835. The new classes for harriers have proved popular with a very creditable 161 entries.

"Looking around at other similar events, several also have record numbers which is excellent and indicates that despite difficult times, people still want to attend and exhibit at agricultural shows. I believe we offer not only a superb platform for the industry, but the opportunity for the public to learn more about rural life, and have an enjoyable day out."

This year will be the 151st Great Yorkshire Show, and it runs from Tuesday 14 – Thursday 16 July at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate. A premier date on the national farming calendar, the show attracts more than 125,000 visitors each year. The packed programme not only has the competitive classes, but a wide range of attractions including a superb display of the region's food and drink, in the purpose built Food Hall, the Flower Show, fashion shows and visitors will also have the rare opportunity to see the "Hull and Humber" – the Round the World Clipper Yacht sponsored by Yorkshire Forward.






Photo shows 2008 Supreme Beef Champion Cairnsmore Thrasher with (L-R) Carol Rettie, Mark Holmes (owner), breed secretary Frank Milner and Richard Rettie.


Dates for the 2009 Great Yorkshire Show are Tuesday 14 – Thursday 16 July. The gates open at 7.30am each day. The Show is one of the largest and most prestigious in the UK attracting 126,376 visitors last year. The programme includes competitive classes for more than 5,000 animals, demonstrations of country skills, a fashion show, cookery theatre, shopping opportunities and much more.

Ticket are on sale now and can be obtained either via the phone: 01423 541222 or on line – www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk