THE dates for the 2023 Great Yorkshire Show have been announced after the 2022 event was hailed as a "wonderful" display of agricultural life.
The final day of the four-day show, last Friday, brought a combination of new classes and old favourites, including the spectacular Grand Cattle Parade.
The day saw the culmination of the sheepdog trials in the Main Ring, with the Young Handler prize going to Scotland’s competitor, 16-year-old Tyler Mckinlay from Biggar and her dog, Mel.
She said competing in the Main Ring had been very different and she had enjoyed her first time at the Great Yorkshire Show, even though the sheep had been challenging at times.
Sheep dog trials in the Main Ring proved a big hit
The hard-fought Senior title went to Peter Morgan of County Down in Ireland with dog Mosse. He said: “My son, Peter OG Morgan, was second in the Young Handlers earlier so it was a great day for us and worth coming.”
Visitors included Farming Minister Victoria Prentis, who toured the showground, where she visited the NFU and CLA as well as meeting Liz Hudson from YAS and Future Farmers, and Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen, who got some top tips on sheep shearing from world champion Matt Smith.
Amanda Owen and Matt Smith Champion Sheep Shearer
She then took to the new GYS Stage for an interview with host Christine Talbot, before getting stuck into a demonstration in the Cookery Theatre.
The ceremonial President’s Handover took place in the Main Ring, with Margaret Chapman officially handing over to Simon Theakston for 2023, and the day was rounded off with the singing of the National Anthem in tribute to the Queen in her Platinum Jubilee year by sporting soprano Lizzie Jones, who had entertained the Main Ring crowds all week.
Charles Mills, show director, said: “This has been a wonderful four days, which has seen some of the finest animals in the country compete. A Royal visit from the Princess Royal, two World Cattle Congresses, record breaking sheep numbers, sheep dog trials in the Main Ring and a new chat show on the GYS Stage are just a flavour of some of what we’ve hosted this week and we now look forward to planning the 2023 edition.”
President Margaret Chapman in the handing over ceremony to Simon Theakston
Channel 5 TV series “Today at the Great Yorkshire Show” attracted nearly two million viewers nationally when it aired last week, showcasing highlights from the now four-day event.
The dates for next year’s show are Tuesday, July 11 to Friday, July 14. Tickets will go on sale soon.
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