THE Bilsdale Show will open for 109th time on Saturday, celebrating the area’s farming and agricultural heritage.

Organised by the Bilsdale Agricultural Society, the annual event will take place at Thornhill Farm, near Chop Gate.

There will be plenty to see and do, including horse riding displays, dog shows, livestock competitions, vintage vehicles and lots of local produce, arts and crafts on display.

“We have a number of new attractions and activities for 2019,” said Bev Workman, the show secretary.

“Farmer Fun’s soft play area is sure to be a big hit with the little ones. We also have a children’s and pet’s fancy dress competition which should be great fun, both for those taking part and those watching.

“We are delighted with the record number of trade stands supporting this year’s show too. I’m sure its going to be a fabulous family day out.”

At the heart of the show are the competition classes, from Shetland ponies to Swaledale sheep, cherry tomatoes to sponge cakes, racing pigeons to hound trails.

There are even a few fun events to enter on the day, including pet fancy dress competition and novelty races for the children.

The main display rings will host Equistry Live ‘History on Horseback’, a parade of vintage tractors, cars and motorbikes, the Bilsdale Hunt Hounds, Mount Grace Gundogs and Ampleforth Beagles. The Bilsdale Silver Band will be performing on the main showfield and there will be music in the bar marquee.

Tickets are £15 for a family ticket (two adults and two children), adults £5, concessions £4, children (five to 16 years) £3 and under fives free. This year’s chosen charity is Cleveland Mountain Rescue.