Businesses at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate are set for continued growth, following the internal appointment of a new Commercial Director.
A restructure has seen Graham Thompson promoted from Head of Venue Operations to Commercial Director, where he will lead the commercial strategy across the showground’s portfolio. This will include the Great Yorkshire Events Centre, Pavilions of Harrogate, Fodder - the Great Yorkshire Food Hall and Harrogate Caravan Park.
Graham joined the Great Yorkshire Showground in 2006 as Deputy Events Manager at Pavilions of Harrogate and has progressed through the organisation over nearly two decades. During that time, Pavilions of Harrogate has grown to host events almost every day of the year, while the Great Yorkshire Events Centre has established itself as a major national exhibition, conference and events venue.
Speaking about his new role, Graham said:
“The Society has really gone from strength to strength and I am really delighted to be overseeing the commercial strategy for our commercial businesses. When I started here 20 years ago, I knew it was a special place and I am more committed than ever to see the commercial side of the business go to the next level, helping to raise funds to support the charity work of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.”
Allister Nixon, Chief Executive Officer of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, added:
“I am delighted to appoint Graham as the new Commercial Director of Yorkshire Event Centre Limited. Graham has been a valued member of our management team since joining the Society in 2006 from Morrisons. During his time with us, Graham has made a significant contribution to the organisation’s success.”
A raft of high-profile events has already been announced for 2026, expected to attract thousands of visitors to Harrogate. These include the "Yorkshire Farming Conference" this Wednesday (28th January) at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre; "Pascify Con" on Saturday 11th April, celebrating paranormal, science fiction and fantasy writing; and the "Northern Country Sports Show" on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June.
Later in the year, "Mathewsons Live" will take place on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August, while "Everything Electric North," the world-leading home energy and electric vehicle expo, will return on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th May. Meanwhile, "Yorkshire Voices Conference 2026: Reset and Rise" will be held at Pavilions of Harrogate on Friday 27th February, featuring high-profile speakers from the world of journalism and broadcasting.
Full event listings for 2026 at the Great Yorkshire Showground, including the Great Yorkshire Show from Tuesday 14th to Friday 17th July, can be found here.
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