THE NEW date and revised lay-out for this year's Malton Show received a 'very positive' reaction according to the organising committee.

Held at Scampston Park, the annual 128th show included a number of different attractions and a redesign to make it more accessible for visitors.

Moving the show to an earlier date - the first in the show season - also helped attract record numbers of livestock entries.

Show chairman Michael Cleary said: “Everyone puts in huge efforts to make sure there is something for everyone, and this year there certainly was.

"We had a complete change of layout, providing more space for the trade stands around the ring, and encouraging a bigger flow of visitors to the livestock sections.

“We are very pleased with the numbers that have attended, including the number of families who have enjoyed a value for money day-out. The feedback to the new lay-out and events has been very positive and is something we can build on for future years."

Mr Cleary said that had also been keen to involve Malton School and Norton College in the show.

"A few years ago we realised that with an ageing committee we needed to start getting the younger generation involved and both schools are now fully on board and taking part in the show which we are delighted with."

This year the show included a children’s showground trail run by the show’s nominated charity Ryedale Special Families, as well as children’s races and games.

Entertainment was provided by the MSI motor stunt show, Elaine Hill Sheep Dog display, and Whitby Falconers, along with artist and blacksmith demonstrations.

A “clear round” showjumping competition in a special ring took place throughout the day, followed by an evening showjumping competition in the main ring.

The show also included a Malton and Norton Traders’ Tent for the first time to showcase local independent businesses and saw the launch the Regional Sheep Breeders Championship, run in conjunction with Driffield, Ryedale and Thornton-le-Dale shows.

Mr Cleary said: "The entries in the livestock classes were excellent - fantastic is the only word to describe them.

“We have lots of support from the local agricultural dealers and I would like to thank everyone involved in running Malton Show, including the committee, and to all our sponsors including the lead sponsor BATA.

"Ours is still very much a traditional agricultural show. It's been going for 128 years and promises to continue to go from strength to strength."

 

Outstanding entries are top of the class

THE new date for the annual Malton Show has been branded as a reason for an increase in the number of entries to classes this year, according to one steward.

Mark Bulmer, chief cattle steward, said he had seen a significant increase in the number of cattle and sheep entries this year, which he put down to officials moving the show date.

He said: “We have had some absolutely outstanding entries this year and I think we are roughly 20 per cent up on last year, some with the sheep as well, and I think that is probably a lot to do with the change in the date.”

Last year it was announced that the date of the show would be moved from July 14 to June 29 to stop animals from being “show fatigued” at Malton Show after attending bigger events such as the Great Yorkshire Show. The move made it the first show to be held in the local showing season.

Mr Bulmer said that the new earlier date had meant that he had seen more entries than in previous years and that this year’s entries were of an exceptional quality. He said: “We have seen some exceptional entries in classes and I think people will be using the show as a pre-run to the Yorkshire Show.

“They can bring them here before as a warm up and it can help to settle them down.”

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