Kilnsey Show continues on track
Despite the imposition of new Bluetongue surveillance and protection zones, organisers of Kilnsey Show, the biggest one-day agricultural show in the country, say arrangements for the 2008 event on Tuesday, August 26, will proceed as normal and on schedule.
Foot and mouth forced the cancellation of sheep and cattle classes at last year's event and while the showfield venue falls outside current Bluetongue surveillance zones, organisers Upper Wharfedale Agricultual Society are understandably concerned that prolonged or extended restrictions could again jeopardise entries in the livestock classes, particularly from neighbouring areas at present subject to movement restrictions.
Kilnsey Show chairman and local farmer Robert Lambert said: "Even without cattle and sheep, the 2007 show still attracted a bumper attendance and proved a resounding success.
"We are obviously hoping beyond hope that not only will the Bluetongue situation have resolved itself long before this year's show, but also that the UK remains foot and mouth-free.
"We are pressing on with the organisation regardless – it begins virtually after each show has ended. The 2008 show definitely goes on and we can only remain optimistic that it is in its full format with livestock classes."
Kilnsey Show and Sports – this year is the 110th annual event staged in the shadow of the famous Kilnsey Crag, north of Skipton - remains one of the best known of its kind in the northern calendar, attracting exhibitors, competitors and visitors from near and far, as well as having a major beneficial impact on the local economy.
It is also a true showcase for Uplands farming and last year's show featured the launch of Food and Farming for REAL - Rural & Regeneration, Education & Environment, Agriculture & Arts, Local & Leisure.
The 2008 event will bring down the curtain on this highly successful campaign, which has done a great deal to shine the spotlight on the vital role and positive contribution hill farming communities make to modern-day life.
The initiative has achieved much in raising across-the-board perceptions of the importance of the Uplands and a REAL marquee featuring all the different areas to which hill farming communities contribute – from the view you see to the food on your plate - will again be a highlight at this year's Kilnsey Show.
So too will a whole host of show classes, support attractions, displays, demonstrations and competitions.
Robert Lambert added: "The 2008 show has all the makings of being one of the biggest and best in our long and proud history. In the interim, we are keeping our fingers crossed that the sheep and cattle show classes for which Kilnsey is renowned will be given the all clear."
The official show website is www.kilnseyshow.co.uk or visit www.foodandfarming4real.co.uk
