The organisers of Tockwith Show have voted to cancel next year’s event.
The agricultural show, which began in 1945, showcases a range of livestock and horticulture, but visitors will have to wait until at least 2025 to go again.
It follows the directors’ recent proposal to take a one-year break after five committee members stepped down from their roles.
The current committee chair, Georgina Watson, who is one of those stepping down, said:
“Although it’s obviously disappointing to have to cancel the 2024 show, this does give us a really valuable opportunity to take a look at every aspect of the show and, in particular, to find ways of spreading the workload.”
The decision was unanimously approved at the committee’s annual general meeting on Wednesday.
The remaining committee hopes the hiatus will offer enough time to recruit new volunteers, as well as review the current content and structure of the show to decide what may need to change.
Ms Watson added:
“Clearly the key to ensuring the show’s future is to recruit more people; that way we can make sure that small groups, rather than individuals, share what at times can be hard work.
“We want to ensure that being involved in the show remains both exciting and enjoyable for everyone.”
One of the directors, Mike Best, said several new people have already come forward to offer their help.
He added:
“The committee has decided to make the focus of 2024 a number of smaller events to help promote the show and raise awareness within the community.”
Ms Watson also said the committee wants to ensure new recruits “can bring in fresh ideas”, adding:
“The show has been incredibly successful in the past, but that doesn’t mean there’s not room to adapt and improve what we are offering.
“The year’s break means we can throw everything up in the air and see what emerges.
“I think this is an exciting opportunity and I’m confident that Tockwith Show will be back better than ever in 2025.”
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After 150 years, Nidderdale Show moves to a Sunday
Nidderdale Show in Pateley Bridge is to move permanently from its traditional Monday slot to a Sunday.
The show, which celebrated its 150th anniversary this year, was forced to change dates last month when the Queen’s funeral was arranged on the same day on Monday, September 19.
The event, which attracts about 13,000 people, was hastily brought forward by 24 hours to a Sunday.
Bewerley Park. Credit: Jemison Photographer
The weekend date proved popular and the show committee has now decided the event will be held on a Sunday annually, with September 24 scheduled for next year.
Show press officer Alex Smith said the weekend was more attractive to families and would make it easier to find stewards and judges.
She added:
“Pretty much everybody was in favour of changing it to a Sunday.
“Many people said if they had known it would be on a Sunday this year they would have entered an exhibit.
“The children’s horse riding classes had low entries — many categories will benefit if the show takes place on a Sunday because more children and families will attend.”
Nidderdale Agricultural Committee stages the event at Bewerley Park.
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Farming life on display as Tockwith Show returns on Sunday
A one-day show attracting around 8,000 visitors is set to make its return this Sunday, August 7.
Tockwith Show has not been held since 2019 thanks to the covid pandemic — and organisers have said this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever before.
Committee chair Georgina Watson said:
“Basically we are an educational charity and a huge part of why we hold the show is to showcase the range of farming activities that make up such an important part of this region’s economy and community.
“One of our main themes this year is sheep. We have performances of dancing sheep, demonstrations of sheep shearing, and a chance for younger visitors to work with wool.
“But we also have pigs, horses, pigeons, rabbits, falcons, dogs, tractors, classic cars and even our very own sandy beach for children to play in. So hopefully we have got something for everyone.”
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The one-day event features more than 300 prize classes for everything from farm animals and show jumping to crafts and cookery.
It is held on Tockwith Show Field, on Cattal Moor Lane on the edge of the village. Entry is £12.50 for adults and teenagers, either via the website or on the gate, while children aged 12 and under go free.
For show president Michelle Lee, the return of the event on Sunday can’t come soon enough. She said:
“Being chosen as the show president is a great honour, and I had that honour back in 2019. But then covid struck and the 2020 and 2021 shows had to be cancelled so hopefully Sunday will be third time lucky for me!
“It’s always a really fun day. It takes a huge amount of work but it’s worth it and our aim is to ensure that our community is able to share in the rich agricultural heritage we have and also have a great day out: in short, to educate and entertain.”