Countryside voices to the fore at Great Yorkshire Show
Posted by The Editor
A broad range of rural issues will be on the agenda when the Countryside Voices stage returns for a third year at the Great Yorkshire Show, which takes place on Tuesday 14 – Friday 17 July.
While livestock and arable farming remain a central focus of the Show, the Countryside Voices stage offers an opportunity to explore and delve into the broader countryside context, highlighting the many interconnected issues that shape both the farming sector and the wider rural community.
Countryside Arena steward Daphne Bourne-Arton said: “Countryside Voices gives a fascinating look into rural issues outside of farming and I can guarantee that anyone who comes along will learn something new and have a chance to ask questions.”
Pressures on the countryside, the wellbeing of those working in it and water quality are among the diverse topics that will find their place on the stage.
New for this year will be a session on curlew conservation, one of the country’s most popular wading birds, and how landowners and countryside users can cooperate to ensure successful breeding for these waders. This takes place on Wednesday.
Returning this year on both Tuesday and Thursday are Wellbeing sessions, which range from working with people recovering from cancer to enjoy countryside activities to different types of help available for mental health struggles.
Wednesday’s Countryside at a Crossroads will look at the conflicting pressures on the rural sector, with food security competing with renewables for land. Panellists will include Countryside Alliance Chief Executive Tim Bonner.
The health of our waterways will be on the agenda on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with panellists including representatives from Ilkley Clean River Group, Ure Salmon Group and Yorkshire Water.
Show director Rachel Coates said: “We all have our own understanding of the countryside but the Countryside Voices stage offers a real opportunity to learn more about aspects that are outside of your own experience.
“Our well-informed and passionate speakers can all bring lots to expanding our understanding.”
The Countryside Voices stage is alongside the Countryside Arena which features many returning favourites, many of which tie in with the topics on stage, such as flycasting demonstrations by Hywel Morgan and a falconry display by Walworth Birds of Prey.
New for this year is The Country Food Trust, which uses game to provide high-protein nutritious meals to those in need, distributing the meals and raw meat to foodbanks and community kitchens across the UK.
See the skill of gundogs, with Farlavale, learn all about ferrets with Simon Whitehead of Pakefield Ferrets and find out what working Deer Dogs do with the British Deer Society. Hear about wood pigeons and wildfowlers from Chris Green and enjoy Four Seasons in the Uplands with the NGO.
Tickets for the Great Yorkshire Show are on sale now and are available to purchase in advance only, with prices frozen at the same rate as last year.
The Great Yorkshire Show sells out every year with 140,000 visitors expected over four days and with some 8,500 animals exhibited in pursuit of prize rosettes. Tickets are priced Adults £36.50, Children £13 and Families £89, while YAS Membership is Single £95 and Joint £155. Go to www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/ticket-information
Farmer tickets are also available, offering those who work on-farm extra flexibility to attend. These tickets can be used to access any day of the Show and are strictly for purchase by the farming community only. Farmer ticket prices have also been held at the same rate as last year. For details see www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/farmers
Free shuttle buses are operated by The Harrogate Bus Company every day of the Great Yorkshire Show. The buses run every 10 minutes from Harrogate Bus Station (next to the Railway Station) to the Showground’s White Gate, starting at 7.20am. The last bus departs the Showground at 7pm.
