Organisers of the North Yorkshire County Agricultural Show have announced the postponement of the 2024 event.

Judges and traders have this week been notified of the decision, with the next show now scheduled for Sunday, June 15, 2025.

The show, which is staged at Otterington Hall, near Northallerton, was also postponed in 2023, with a series of fundraising and awareness events staged instead.

In recent weeks efforts have ramped up to find additional volunteers to help run the event, with an open evening held by the show committee at Northallerton Town Hall.

The Northern Farmer: Judging of the young handlers section at the 2022 North Yorkshire County Agricultural Show

As well as the need for extra helpers, additional uncertainty for the show relates to Otterington Hall currently being up for sale.

A spokesperson for the show described the postponement of this year's event, which had been scheduled for Sunday, June 16, as a "difficult decision".

"Issues outside our control meant that we had to look at the practicality of holding the show this year," added the spokesperson.

"Added to this, like a number of other shows (both agricultural and non-agricultural), we lacked committed helpers so we put out a call for help and we had a fantastic response though sadly, we feel it is too late for us to organise a safe show for this year.

"Talking to the organisers of other shows, it seems that we are not on our own with this problem, but we are all working together to keep the traditional agricultural shows alive."

The committee has already started planning the 2025 show and hope to add more attractions relating to the countryside and rural life which they feel will reach out to a wider audience.

"Starting soon we will be holding a variety of events to make sure you don’t forget about us – look out for notifications of these either in the press, social media or on our website," continued the show spokesperson.

“We would still love people to come and join us – you don’t need any special skills, talent or experience, just a willingness to be part of keeping a long standing tradition going forward for future generations.”

Anyone who would like to join the Friends of North Yorkshire County Agricultural Show can either call Tricia Lovell, secretary, on 07787 387831 or email secretary@northyorkshireshow.co.uk.