ARTHINGTON Show is back with a bang with old favourites, new faces and the thumbs up from a few Emmerdale stars.

The 103rd show will take place on Sunday, August 20 at a new venue in Pool Road, opposite Otley Town Football Club and the garden centre.

There has been a four-year hiatus since it was last staged in 2019 due in part to Covid but also because the committee was searching for a new venue.

All the regular favourites will be there including equestrian classes, horticulture, sheep, cattle and pigs classes, crafts and children’s attractions, along with trade stands, vintage vehicles.

Other attractions include terrier racing, a pony logging demonstration, donkey rides, live music, gun dog scurry, driving classes and much more.

Show secretary Julie Pullen said: “We have moved from our preferred district (Arthington, Bramhope, Pool) as we struggled to find a show location in that area. We continue the search for the future and would welcome any land owner’s assistance.”

The show helps support charities within the area and this year it will be supporting Living Potential, a working farm which provides therapeutic benefits to members living with constant challenges.

A huge attraction will be special guests from Emmerdale: Natalie Robb (Moira), Lawrence Robb (Mackenzie) and Jurrell Carter (Nate). They will all be spending time around the show, chatting and posing for selfies, signing autographs and presenting prizes.

Show President Anne Everall said: “ I am so delighted once again to be the president of Arthington Show 2023. Our hard working committee has worked diligently to get the show underway. The new venue is easily accessible from Otley and surrounding districts and our thanks go to Chris Thornton for the use of his fields. Our small agricultural shows are a gift to adults and children alike.”

The Arthington, Bramhope Pool and District Horticulture and Agricultural Society was founded in 1906 by Bramhope, Pool and Arthington villagers.

They held a show which they rotated between the three parishes this was known as the Three Villagers Show.

Arthington Show has now been held over one hundred time and still reflects rural traditional horticulture and agriculture themes.

The show has moved with the times not only encouraging local people but those also from surrounding areas to come and participate, encouraging horticulture, produce, livestock and equestrianism. The Show takes pride in its traditional heritage and showing off the country way of life and rural skills.

Emmerdale stars Natalie Robb, Lawrence Robb (no relation!) and Jurrell Carter are the show's special guests. Natalie is a real animal lover and grew up in a horse owning family. Lawrence is a fan of farm animals, pigs in particular and will probably be found around the livestock pens. Since playing farmer 'Nate', Jurrell says he appreciates the hard work and dedication of farming communities.

New for 2023 is the introduction of a pig section which the committee is looking forward to seeing these new exhibits while in the hunter ring the show is holding a horse and hound class where one rider completes a small course of jumps followed by a dog and handler. This can be entered on the day.

Come along and participate in our new fun family games, it bit of fun for all: Welly wanging, family races and egg throwing. Childrens Pets, Fancy Dress and Family Fun races can all be entered on Show Day.

The main ring features this year a number of traditional rural attractions including the old favourite terrier racing and a variety of demonstrations.

One thing which hasn't changed since 2019 is the price of admission.

The show is offering online ticketing “etickets” to its visitors which can be obtained via the website: www.arthingtonshow.co.uk

Advance tickets are extremely good value. The committee made the conscious decision to keep the admission prices at the same rate they were four years ago to reflect their appreciation to show-goers who take time out to attend in the face of rising prices elsewhere.

There is also the opportunity to buy two tickets and enjoy a lunch for two in the president's marquee with a membership ticket.

Agricultural shows are far more than animals and reflect the nimble-fingered and green-fingered within the community. Their expertise will be on show in the horticultural and arts and crafts tents on show day.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy walking around the open air trade stands and refreshment vendors. Pack a picnic or eat from a variety of stalls selling a range of produce. There's bound to be an ice cream vendor there too.

Show presidentt Anne Everall added: "These shows provide a days entertainment with lots of animals including horses, cattle, sheep and pigs. The dog classes always receive a good entry and of course children's pet classes and fancy dress are enjoyed by all. Horticulture, photography and crafts are always popular and well supported.

"Let it be said that Arthington Show has something for all the family."

For details of what's on and a full itinerary go to the website at: https://arthingtonshow.co.uk/