PLANS are already well underway for the three big agricultural shows in Ryedale with a large number of bookings reported for trade stands.

Ryedale Show has scooped two big events with classes to qualify for the prestigious Horse of the Year and the Shire Horse of the Year Shows, said newly-appointed secretary, Christine Thompson. “We are sure they will attract a great deal of interest from both competitors and the public,” she said.

A waiting list for companies and businesses wanting trade stands has already reached 150, said Christine.

With this year’s show being the 149th, the organisers are already exploring ideas to make next year’s 150th a big celebration event.

The show, which will be held on Tuesday, July 28, will be at its long-established venue at Welburn Park, Kirkbymoorside.

Meanwhile, Malton Show on Sunday, July 5, will be one of the first in North Yorkshire. Secretary Fiona Mudd said the show, which attracts about 5,000 people to Scampston Park, aims to build on its recent successful run which has seen it become financially viable.

Admission charges are remaining unchanged to encourage more people to attend, and bookings for trade stands are buoyant after the successful changes to the show’s lay-out last year.

Thornton-le-Dale’s annual show attracts about 15,000 people and this year’s event on Wednesday, August 5, has an impressive line -up of entertainment, in addition to the traditional livestock, dairy produce, craft work and horticultural sections.

The attractions will include The Devil’s Horsemen, magician Uncle Mac, fire stunt artiste Joseph Peace, Elaine Hill with demonstrations of sheepdogs and geese, Patanavac Gun Dogs, Jamie Squibb, and falconer James McKay.