The final preparations have been taking place this week for one of Yorkshire’s biggest agricultural shows which will be back in business on Sunday (August 3rd) after a year’s break.
Tockwith Show – which was first held back in the 1940s – now attracts around 11,000 visitors to the day-long event.
More than 70 volunteers have been working on creating the 2025 show, and the show chair Georgina Watson says without their help the event wouldn’t be possible.
She said:
“A huge amount of work goes into the show, and Sunday will see the culmination of months of planning and discussion.
"It’s always exciting in the run-up to the show to see the field taking shape with the marquees going up, the animal pens being created and the main arena being set out."
Although this year’s show will include a range of familiar farm animals including cattle, pigs, sheep, horses and goats, visitors will be able to enjoy some more exotic animal displays including camel racing and giant tortoises.
On Sunday there will be a schedule of nearly 300 classes ranging from haybales to horses, cakes to classic cars and poetry to pigs, offering more than six thousand pounds in prize money.
Georgina said that as a charity an important part of the show was to provide education alongside the entertainment.
She said:
“We want to showcase how and why agriculture is such an important part of this region’s economy and heritage. It’s a chance for everyone to see for themselves just how much our farmers impact our daily lives.”
This year the main theme of the show relates to cows.
Georgina said:
“From ‘have a go’ milking experiences for our younger visitors, to opportunities to see some rare breeds, we’ll be shining a light on the work of our fabulous dairy and bovine farmers.
“One of our main priorities as a registered charity is to provide educational experiences for children, which is why all under 12s are allowed in free.”
For a third year the main sponsor for the 2025 Show will be Joywyns Pet and Country store – which was formerly known as Discount Foods - and is based just outside Wetherby.
The company’s owner, Jo Sutton, has also been chosen as this year’s show president. Her first involvement with Tockwith Show was when she competed in the pony class as a 12 year old, and the happy memories of that time is one of the reasons why she decided to sponsor the event.
She said:
“I remember how excited I was then and how much fun I had, and also seeing thousands of people who came to compete, display or just visit.
"The show is a perfect fit for us because it’s all about animals and the countryside, and also provides a really important showcase for the farming community.”
First look inside new country pub opening in Ripon
Harrogate Lego trail gets underway
Yorkshire Day bunting unveiled in Harrogate
Harrogate bus firm trials new discount fare for two-bus trips
Harrogate Town defender extends stay
Local MP volunteers at Harrogate homeless charity
New decorating centre to open in Harrogate
Harrogate accident repair centre named best in UK
Another listener scoops £100 cash after spotting unique 'sold' board
Fundraiser for Pateley hit-and-run victim approaches £20,000
Local choir group scoops two national awards
Victoria Shopping Centre unveils stunning floral archway
Police make fourteen arrests as part of Harrogate district operation
Traditional carousel installed at Knaresborough Castle
LNER launches personality quiz ahead of Yorkshire Day
Stockeld Park to host weekly live music events
Harrogate specialist college receives 'transformative' £2,000 donation
Boutique live arts venue to open in Harrogate
Domestic water usage down 10% since hosepipe ban introduced
Everything you need to know about St Wilfrid's Procession this weekend
