ONE of the biggest events in the show calendar would have been getting underway this week bringing over 130,000 people to the region and celebrating food, farming and the countryside.

While the Great Yorkshire Show was cancelled organisers were determined to mark the event with three days of virtual entertainment. Leyburn Band had been due to make a special appearance, but instead created a memorable film of past highlights and a specially recorded online performance.

Throughout the three days, July 14, 15 and 16 live events are being streamed through the show's website, including Northallerton cheesemaker Judy Bell, Benjamin Atkinson with his Action Horses, 12 year old Edward Hudson showing people round the family farm and insights into showjumping with Graham Fletcher among many features about farming and the countryside.

Show Director Charles Mills said they were devastated at cancelling the show but had to mark the event because they know how much it means to people. "It will remind people what we are all about and let potential new visitors see what they are missing," he added.