After bad weather scuppered last year’s famous Bingley Show, it is back, and promises to be bigger and better than ever this Saturday.
The 132nd showpiece at Myrtle Park has fun for all the family guaranteed with a visit from the Grand National-winning racehorse Auroras Encore, an RAF memorial flypast, a stunt bike show and a display of classic cars, as well as hundreds of animal classes.
Show president David Green told the Telegraph & Argus: “The cancellation of last year’s show, due to incessant rain, was a great shame particularly as we had intended to mark an important anniversary for the town.
“Eight hundred years ago, farmers, craftsmen and traders congregated on the bank of the River Aire to trade their produce. Their productivity raised Bingley to become the most important town in the region, much larger than Bradford or Leeds, a fact that was recognised when King John awarded the town its Market Charter in 1212.
“The entrepreneurial energy of our 13th century ancestors lives on today and can be seen in those who will exhibit and compete at the show.”
As well as all the animal classes, there’s a cattle parade, terrier racing, showjumping, falconry displays, a fell race and an extravaganza of local crafts and produce.
Horse-racing fans are in for a treat as they’ll be able to get up close and personal to Grand National winner Auroras Encore and trainer Sue Smith. Show supporter Harvey Smith will also be present.
Jez Avery also returns after a gap of a few years and will wow the crowds with his gravity-defying stunt show, whether it be on four, two or one wheel.
The world-renowned 8ft Titan the talking robot also makes a triumphant return having appeared on Big Brother and at Glastonbury while, weather permitting, it’ll be eyes to the sky to watch a Spitfire and Dakota swoop over the amphitheatre of Bottom Meadow’s marquees and stalls.
Equestrian events will run from early to mid-morning in the main ring, while showjumping returns mid-afternoon and closes the show out with an exciting jump against the clock.
Youngsters will also have the chance to enjoy a donkey ride.
The Shires will grace the main ring at midday and there’s sure to be lots of interest in the cattle parade.
Sheep, alpacas and goats will also be there while over Beckfoot Bridge you’ll find the cats, rabbits, cavies and mice, and new this year is a pets’ corner where you will be able to handle small animals.
There’ll be hundreds of dogs including terriers, lurchers and beagles, all in the main ring.
Pre-show tickets (cash sales only) are available from the following outlets: Newsagents: Poplar House in Bingley, Cottingley News, Crossflatts News and Mornington Road News.
Post offices: Baildon, Denholme, Gilstead, Harden and Saltaire.
Shops: Kay’s Krafts, Queen’s Court in Bingley and The Council Shop in Bingley.
Pre-show prices: adults £8, seniors £5, children (5-14) £4 and a family ticket (two adults and three children) £18.
Ticket prices on the day: adults £10, seniors £8, children (five-14) £5 and family ticket £25.
Park and ride operates from 8.30am to 6pm at two sites – from Bradford and Bingley Sports Club in Wagon Lane and from the UKAR (formerly Bradford & Bingley) in Crossflatts.
Praise for army of volunteers
The success of Bingley Show is down to the army of volunteers and supporters.
They help to bring more than 16,000 showgoers to the spectacle every year, and president David Green said: “To put on a show of this size depends on a great number of volunteers, many spending a great deal of time well in advance of the show, all working together to bring together one of the largest and best agricultural shows in the North.
“After all these efforts, many volunteers never get chance to see the show, as they are busy working away in marquees looking after their own particular passion, be it cats, mice, goats, flowers, vegetables etc.
“The exhibitors and organisers will be only too happy to share their interest with you.”
Mr Green thanked Rotarians and other service organisations of the town which man the gates, and over the years have taken on more roles to make this event run smoothly.”
There’s still time to enter
With more than 1,000 classes every year at Bingley Show, why not join in yourself?
You can enter your pet pooch or feline friend, or take along your guinea pig, ferret or rabbit.
There are also dozens of horticulture classes as well as craft classes for young and old, so there is no excuse not to join in.
Log on to bingleyshow.co.uk for entry details.
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