In its 165th year, The Great Yorkshire Show returns to the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate from July 9-12. Here are our top 10 picks not to be missed!

The People’s Choice competition

Back for the first time since 2019, the People’s Choice competition traditionally took place in the cattle classes, with exhibitors generally in fancy dress providing a light-hearted approach to the whole business of describing and judging the cattle. This year, the return has seen it be extended to goats and pigs, welcoming the public pick out their favourites. Delighted to welcome its return, Charles Mills, Show Director describes the competition as ‘a lot of fun’.

Quench your thirst

A day at the Great Yorkshire Show is thirsty work, especially when the sun is shining, which is why we’re delighted to hear of the show’s very first craft beer bar will be making its debut in the Food Hall. There will be over ten beer choices from four brewers within a three-mile radius of the Showground, including award-winning beers from Harrogate Brewing Company, Roosters, Turning Point, and Daleside breweries.

Who will be your champion in the Battle of the Butchers? Who will be your champion in the Battle of the Butchers? (Image: Great Yorkshire Show)

Battle of the Butchers

Another new addition to the show and guaranteed to be a firm favourite amongst foodie fans is the Battle of the Butchers. Taking place in the Food Hall, watch on as nine teams of butchers battle it out to produce the best dishes in six different meat categories. The new competition, organised by Danny Upson of Dalziel Ltd in conjunction with the Institute of Meat, will favour craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation.

Cooking up a show

The Game Cookery Theatre will host Jake Jones from Forge at Middleton Lodge in Middleton Tyas – who’s already tipped by Michelin as one to watch. While over at The Great Yorkshire Show Food Theatre, Huddersfield’s Samira Effa will take to the stage for the first time. She regularly juggles her appearances on the BBC Great British Menu, with her duties as Head Chef at Bar & Restaurant EightyEight at Grantley Hall, near Ripon.

Countryside Voices

Make your way to the Countryside area where, this year, it will welcome the arrival of the Countryside Voices marquee. Here, visitors can benefit from a range of films, talks, and panel discussions on key countryside topics including mental health in rural issues as well as restoring our rivers. Contributors include the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, British Deer Society, and Salmon & Trout Association who will shed light on important topics.

Musical moments

There will be musical entertainment from international classical singers the Forever Tenors who will perform twice a day throughout the show. Newly returned from an exhilarating tour across South America, Japan, and Scandinavia, they are excited to be bringing their mesmerising show back home to Yorkshire. Following on from the Forever Tenors will be British Army Band Catterick, comprised of musicians from The Royal Corps of Army Music.

Watch on as the Shearing Area becomes a catwalk. Watch on as the Shearing Area becomes a catwalk. (Image: Great Yorkshire Show)

The Farm to Fashion Show

There will be two Farm to Fashion shows taking place on the Sheep Shearing Stage at 12noon and 4.30pm every day apart from Friday at 12noon and 3pm. Hosted by radio presenter Nick Hancock, the shows will feature collections from a wide range of both national and regional designers, including a selection of brand partners from British Wool. As well as amateur models, there will be a couple of well-known farming faces taking to the catwalk, too.

Vertu Motors GYS Stage

Christine Talbot will once again be welcoming a range of familiar faces to the GYS Stage this year. Newcomers to the stage include Helen Skelton (Tuesday), along with Rob and Dave Nicholson of Cannon Hall Farm (Friday), along with returning stars Peter Wright of Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet (Thursday) and Adam Henson (Wednesday). The chats will take place at 11am and 2pm with a meet & greet hosted with fans afterwards.

Nigel Barden set to host Cheese & Dairy Stage on Tuesday. Nigel Barden set to host Cheese & Dairy Stage on Tuesday. (Image: Kate Mallender)

Cheese and Dairy Show

Don’t miss top names in the cheese world who will head up a packed stage programme over at the Cheese & Dairy section, supported by Wensleydale Creamery. These include: Nigel Barden (Tuesday), Sam Wilkin from The Cellarman Podcast (Wednesday), Cheese Explorer Emma Young (Thursday), and Homage2Fromage’s Nick Copland (Friday). There’s also a charity cheese auction on Thursday raising money for The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) which provides crucial support for the farming community.

A Royal Visit

Last year saw the appearance of HRH The Duke of Gloucester, followed by HRH The Princess Royal in 2022, and even King Charles III and The Queen Consort paid a visit in 2021. So, who will it be this year? It’s never a guarantee, but a royal visit is usually announced just a couple of weeks before the show, and with King Charles III continuing to be Patron of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, we’ve got high hopes.

Tickets are priced at Adults £35, Children £13 and Families £86

For more information, and to book, visit greatyorkshireshow.co.uk