"THE show will go on," organisers of the Great Yorkshire insisted, as the agricultural event is set to virtual amid the emergence of tourism across the region.

Lightwater Valley Theme Park has announced it is reopening – and many other attractions are working hard to see when they can safely emerge from the nightmare of coronavirus.

For the first time in its history the Great Yorkshire Show is staging an online event through its website during the original dates from Tuesday, July 14 to Thursday, July 16.

Distressed organisers decided they had to do something to make sure farming and food enjoyed the spotlight over the summer. Normally 130,000 people would flock to the event.

Three days of entertainment and video footage will be available free on the show’s site. Charles Mills, show director said: “While the coronavirus has caused the cancellation of our iconic annual event we recognise the show offers a fantastic platform to celebrate and champion the very best of British agriculture and so we hope to achieve that virtually.

“We dearly hope people will join us for what promises to be a very special showcase of all that is great about the region, its rural traditions and it’s enviable reputation for producing high-quality British food.”

Attractions include TV stunt performers Atkinson Action Horses, a cook-off between top chefs Rosemary Shrager and Stephanie Moon, a Q&A with the stars of The Yorkshire Vet, Peter Wright and Julian Norton, and a behind the scenes tour with Olympic showjumper Graham Fletcher.

Livestock, farriery, beekeeping, cheesemaking and many other events will be showcased alongside performances by sporting soprano Lizzie Jones and the Leyburn Band. There will also be a chance of retail therapy with a directory of businesses who would have welcomed show visitors to their trade stands in the past. Go to https://greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/

While the Great Yorkshire is virtual, many other attractions and events are tryng to work out how they can let the people in. Lightwater Valley Theme Park near Ripon has announced the gates are opening on Saturday, July 18 – but to ensure it operates within government restrictions some rides such as the Ultimate will be closed for now and booking is essential.

“We’re delighted to be able to start welcoming visitors back but we also know how crucial it is that they feel safe,” said general manager Colin Bowes.

“We’ve allowed ourselves a little extra time to ensure everything is fully in place and we’re confident we’ve been able to accommodate a range of protective measures without compromising the overall visitor experience.

“This has clearly been a difficult and hugely disruptive time for everybody and we’re looking forward to being able to give our visitors the opportunity to have fun and enjoy themselves once again."

Beamish revealed last week it is reopening on July 23, Flamingoland Zoo has welcomed visitors back and managers say they are working on reopening more of the resort.