Charles Mills to step down as Great Yorkshire Show director

Charles is due to step down after the next show, which will run from Tuesday, July 9, to Friday, July 12.

This will be his ninth show and the hunt is now on for a new show director.

Charles said: “When I was a young boy in short corduroy trousers sitting in the grandstand, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get the honour of one day becoming the show director of the Great Yorkshire Show.

Charles Mills who is stepping down as show director

"It is a wonderful organisation and getting the opportunity to meet and work with so many dedicated people will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Charles was show director during one of the most challenging shows, which was organised as the UK came through Covid in 2021.

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“We were one of the only agricultural shows to go ahead that year and it was such a pleasure to host King Charles III and Queen Camilla who supported us at that show and spent a whole day meeting exhibitors, stewards and public,” said Charles.

King Charles, then Prince of Wales, views cattle being judged during a visit to the Great Yorkshire Show in 2021, with Charles Mills, right

“I have also thoroughly enjoyed hosting members of the Royal family, including Princess Anne who visited twice during my tenure and is very highly respected among the farming community.

"The job of show director has been a wonderful experience and one that I will never forget.”

Since taking over the role in 2016, Charles has been part of the team behind changing the structure of the Great Yorkshire Show, which moved from three days to four days since Covid in 2021.

The Princess Royal vwith Charles Mills at the 160th Great Yorkshire Show

Tickets are now sold in advance only with visitor numbers capped at 140,000 equating to 35,000 people a day, to ensure a comfortable experience for visitors.

Charles looks forward to spending more time with his wife Jill and family and supporting son, James, in running the family business of hosting weddings at their farm in Appleton Roebuck.

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Allister Nixon, chief executive officer of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which organises the Great Yorkshire Show, said: “Charles has been a fantastic ambassador for the Great Yorkshire Show and we can’t thank him enough for his amazing contribution over the years and for his passion, commitment and leadership.”

The search is now on for a new show director. Applicants should apply directly to TriciaM@yas.co.uk by October 31 with a covering letter and CV.