Daring horseback stunts and a special Tour de France area look set to be among the highlights of this weekend’s Otley Show.
The 205th show takes place at Bridge End on Saturday, May 17, and will feature a number of new attractions mixed in with the traditional agricultural action.
An American Army Jeep display and a demonstration by Otley Sailing Club, on the lake, are among the fresh events.
Organisers Wharfedale Agricultural Society have had a bounty of entries for the show’s stock-in-trade – the livestock, horses, pets, produce, handicrafts and floral art classes.
Secretary Janet Raw is now just praying for fine weather to ensure visitors of all ages can enjoy what’s on offer to the full.
She said: “There is a new look in certain areas of the showground this year.
“Including, in the words of our chairman Jeff Crabtree, ‘the splendid lake feature that has been an attractive backdrop to the show for a number of years, and has now been brought fully into use by Otley Sailing Club’.
“Everyone in Yorkshire must be aware of the Tour De France coming through the centre of Otley in July, so we are also pleased to welcome Otley Cycling Club and Welcome to Yorkshire, with their Tour display.
“The main attraction this year is the Stampede Stunt Company, who put on a very entertaining show – including their new routine, Gulliver’s Carnival – that features a blend of acrobatic horsemanship and a stilt walker.
“Ben Potter is returning to fly his birds of prey above the arena, and the Ridgside Lurcher Display Team will make their appearance in the Dog arena prior to the 2pm Dog Show.
“Other attractions include The Sheep Show, with four performances throughout the day, and the annual Tug of War competition which, along with the farriers display, has been relocated this year into a more central position on the showground.”
She added that entries in all of the sections, “from hamsters to heavy horses”, have been flooding in, with the rabbit marquee now enlarged to accommodate a stock show.
Live music will entertain visitors throughout the day, with Otley Brass Band performing along with various folk acts courtesy of Otley Folk Club.
The fun starts at 8am, when various equestrian classes and a farriers competition will kick proceedings off. The trade marquee and stands will also be open.
Tickets are available on the gate, priced £8 for adults and £6 for senior citizens, and £3 for children, with a £2 parking charge. Cheaper tickets can be bought in advance from shops in town or by visiting otleyshow.org.uk.
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