Organisers of the North Yorkshire County Show are hosting an open event to encourage people to join the team, amid fears that if more volunteers do not come forward, the event may not take place this year.
The show has been running for about 180 years, and the committee behind it say they “want to continue the tradition for future generations in this beautiful rural area”.
It was not held last year, with a series of fundraising and awareness events staged instead ahead of the 2024 show, which is scheduled for Sunday, June 16 at Otterington Hall, near Northallerton.
However organisers fear the volunteer base has reduced to the point where they may not have enough people to put the show on this year.
A spokesperson for the show said: “Sadly we know of two shows in the north that are also struggling with helpers; one of those has already cancelled their 2024 show and the other is considering it.
“We have also just learned of a long running horticultural society who are in a similar position, lacking helpers but if they don’t get the people to become involved, their society will cease to exist and we don’t want that to happen with our show.”
Organisers are looking for people from Northallerton, Thirsk and the surrounding areas to not only assist with setting up and taking down the show, and helping out on show day, but many other things in between.
Those who may want to join the committee or simply become “a friend of the show”, helping out where they can, would be most welcome.
The show spokesperson added: “You don’t have to have any particular skills, just a can-do attitude and willingness to get stuck in; if this is you then you are just the person we need.”
An open evening for anyone interested will take place in the upstairs room at Northallerton Town Hall on Thursday, February 22 at 7.30pm. Lift access is available, and there will be no requirement for attendees to commit to anything on the night.
The informal event will allow people to meet the show team and find out more about what might be involved.
Anyone who can’t attend, but is interested in helping, can contact Tricia Lovell, show secretary, on 07787387831 or email secretary@northyorkshireshow.co.uk.
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