Great Yorkshire Show goes virtual for first time in its history

The Great Yorkshire Show has announced it is to be held online for the first time in its history to make sure farming, food and the countryside enjoys the spotlight this summer.
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Taking place over the show’s original dates, from Tuesday, July 14 to Thursday, July 16, and organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the Great Yorkshire Virtual Show will feature three full days of entertaining and informative video footage, all available for free on the show’s website.

The event is usually held at the Showground in Harrogate and is one of the biggest agricultural shows in the country, regularly attracting more than 130,000 visitors but was this year cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Attractions include a performance by East Yorkshire-based TV stunt performers Atkinson Action Horses, a cook-off between top chefs Rosemary Shrager and Stephanie Moon, a Q&A with the stars of The Yorkshire Vet, Peter Wright and Julian Norton, and a behind the scenes tour with Olympic showjumper Graham Fletcher.

Atkinsons Action Horses at last year's Great Yorkshire Show.Atkinsons Action Horses at last year's Great Yorkshire Show.
Atkinsons Action Horses at last year's Great Yorkshire Show.

Livestock, farriery, beekeeping, cheesemaking and much more will be showcased as part of a packed programme of virtual events.

In celebration of the Great Yorkshire Show’s unique atmosphere, there will be performances by sporting soprano Lizzie Jones and the Leyburn Band. There will also be the chance to indulge in some retail therapy with a comprehensive directory of businesses who would have welcomed show visitors to their trade stands at the showground.

Charles Mills, Show Director of the Great Yorkshire Show, said: “While the coronavirus has caused the cancellation of our iconic annual event, we are determined that the show must go on, albeit in a different format this year.

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“Never before has the Great Yorkshire Show been celebrated as a virtual event and so we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed to bringing the Show to life in this way.

“The Yorkshire Agricultural Society recognises that the Great Yorkshire Show offers a fantastic platform to celebrate and champion the very best of British agriculture and so we hope to achieve that virtually this year.

“There will be something for everyone to enjoy online over the show’s three days and we dearly hope that you will join us for what promises to be a very special showcase of all that is great about Yorkshire, its rural traditions and the region’s enviable reputation for producing high-quality British food.”

A full schedule for the Virtual Show will be published soon via the Great Yorkshire Show website and organisers have said there is no need to book a place.

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Next year's Great Yorkshire Show will be held on Tuesday, July 13 – Thursday, July 15 2021.

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