Forthcoming Events
Events in and around the Yorkshire Dales
April
Harrogate Spring Flower Show: See over 100 leading horticultural nurseries gathered together for the Harrogate Spring Flower Show, all exhibiting and competing for Best in Show and the NEHS Trophy. The Wakefield & North of England Tulip Society joins the Daffodil Society to put on two spectacular shows in the Plant Societies' Marquee. Pick up tips from professional garden designers and revel in the heady scents of the Floristry and Flower Arrangement Marquee. There is good natured competition to take home the prized trophy from the 14 flower arrangement and 6 floristry classes.
May
Plot to Plate is a broadly themed event based around all things food related. This encompases growing food and cooking and eating it - what more can there be to life? The event , organised by Boroughbridge Allotment Society, will take place in locations around Boroughbridge Town Centre including Hall Square, the Fountain on St James Square and the Shared Space in Boroughbridge Car Park.
The Dales Festival of Food and Drink is shaping up to be a bumper one! With over 80 traders to visit in the Food Hall, 30 real ales and ciders to try in the Yorkshire Dales Real Ale Festival, lots of hands on demonstrations for children in the Farming for Food Area plus cookery demonstrations, dancing, music and Dales livestock to see, there's loads to do for all the family!
Haworth 1940's weekend - Weekend event where Haworth steps back in time to the 1940s.
The Otley Show was first held in 1796, over 200 years ago and now spans 4 centuries. Cancellations have been few and far between, twice in the 1800's, throughout the war years, more recently in 1983 due to flooding and in 2001 due to the Foot and Mouth epidemic. The farmers around Otley in the late 1700's were keen to apply developments in agriculture taking place elsewhere in the U.K.
June
Swaledale Festival A warm welcome awaits you at Britain's most delightful annual celebration of music and the arts festival.The unique mix that is the Swaledale Festival - Inspiring music - Exhilarating performances - Delightful venues - Exciting art - Great outdoors - Enjoyment - Warm hospitality Start your summer at the Swaledale Festival - fantastic live music in a beautiful corner of the world. The Festival has a long-standing reputation for programming a distinctive balance of musical styles - experience classical, choral, jazz, folk and world music in intimate Dales venues.
Spring / Jubilee Bank Holiday. Yorkshire's Friendly Line welcomes back its favourite visitor to host 'Day Out with Thomas' Bank Holiday weekend events. Thomas, along with Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller, will be hosting the event that always proves so popular. Thomas and his friends are looking forward to visiting the line. Refreshments are available at the station buffet at Embsay or Mrs Kyndley's Tea Rooms at Bolton Abbey Station. There are gift and book shops at either station together with toilets and substantial car parking and facilities for the disabled at Bolton Abbey Station.
Duncombe Park Country Fair is a fantastic day out for all the family. Established in 1982 - the original country fair of North Yorkshire in the beautiful grounds of Duncombe Park.
Appleby Horse Fair is unique in Europe and, as well as attracting around 10,000 Gypsies and Travellers, over 30,000 other visitors attend the Fair, with Sunday being the traditional main visitors' day. It transforms the town of Appleby for the week, as it normally has a population of around 2,500. Appleby Fair has been held for certain since 1750, and probably for very much longer than that. It is held for one week every year from the first Thursday in June until the second Wednesday and is world famous, the largest Fair of its kind in Europe. It is an annual event attended by Romany and Irish families travelling to meet up with old friends, celebrate their music, history and folklore and conduct business - particularly buying and selling horses.
The Great Knaresborough Bed Race is an annual community event run entirely by volunteers and made world famous by its riot of colour and pageantry, the courage and endurance of its teams, and the glorious eccentricity of its entrants. For many years TV coverage has boosted this with the BBC's Songs of Praise programme choosing Bed Race as the theme of its broadcast. Nippon TV, Transworld Sport and others aired fragments of the fancy dress parade and gruelling race. In past years, Blue Peter, Channel Four and many others have featured the race, sparking coverage right around the world.
Grassington Festival 15th June is an annual community event run entirely by volunteers and made world famous by its riot of colour and pageantry, the courage and endurance of its teams, and the glorious eccentricity of its entrants. For many years TV coverage has boosted this with the BBC's Songs of Praise programme choosing Bed Race as the theme of its broadcast. Nippon TV, Transworld Sport and others aired fragments of the fancy dress parade and gruelling race. In past years, Blue Peter, Channel Four and many others have featured the race, sparking coverage right around the world.
The Willowman Festival, 4 DAYS OF AMAZING MUSIC IN THE HEART OF NORTH YORKSHIRE. The Willowman Festival is situated at Lenthor Farm just off the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors near the beautiful village of Osmotherley. Lenthor Farm is full of magic and earthly atmosphere. The custodian of the land, "Mad Farmer" Derek Plews has constructed his own Pagan Stone Circle at the top of the site. It is called "Sentry Circle" and is used by local and visiting Pagans from far and wide. This also brings a great calming effect to The Willowman Festival. The site boasts some fantastic panoramic views and on a clear day from the Stones, you can see as far as Ingleton at the head of The Yorkshire Dales and across The Yorkshire Moors taking in such landmarks as far as Rosebury Topping. With Derek's kind permission we are able to utilise the weekend preceding Summer Solstice to hold The Willowman Festival. Our Main Stage features some of the most popular festival bands with all styles of music catered for. There's an Acoustic Stage in the Beer Tent, the Reggae Sound System Tent, a Healing Area, Spiritualists, Workshops, plus other attractions. There is camping available with lots of quality trade stands, a bar and a wide variety of food stalls to suit even the worldliest of tastes.
July
Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge takes in the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, usually in this order, and in under 12 hours. These peaks form part of the Pennine range, and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The Great Yorkshire Show is an event that combines entertainment and fun with the opportunity to see first hand the many aspects of country life and farming. It will be a celebration of agriculture and country life. The Main Ring is the hub of the Show - providing a wonderful setting for international Show Jumping and our World-Class Cattle Parade.The 250-acre site is filled with animals, country demonstrations, have-a-go activities and the Great Yorkshire Cheese & Dairy Show. Plus there's fashion, rural crafts and shopping!
Borrowby Show was first held in 1949, it is now a regular feature on the last Wednesday in July. Field classes cover most farm animals. Tent classes and exhibits range from, cattle, sheep and farm produce through garden produce, flowers, cookery, wine, arts & crafts and children's competitions. There are show jumping events, a gymkhana and a fancy dress parade. Trade stands and other attractions add further interest and a dance is held in the evening in the marquee. Licensed Bar, Refreshments, Ice Cream.
The 47th Masham Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally
Leyburn 1940's Weekend focused in the town center.This year with the aid The Land Army Girls, they have managed to get some extra rations to help with the preparations. There will be a dance on the Saturday night with entertainment by "Major swing DJ" aka Tim Handley. Camping is free "A donation would be appreciated when you depart".The campsite for re-enactors and visitors is at Wensleydale RUFC at Cawkill Park Wensley Rd Leyburn. Vintage and military vehicles display.Trader's corner. Service of remembrance on the Sunday with church parade and commemorative service in the market square. 1940 service Bus Park & Ride in to town. Vintage fairground.Dancing & Bands in the market square music and dancing of the era throughout the day.
The Weeton Show. The day is packed with scheduled events including races, brass bands, children's shows and entertainment, Punch & Judy shows, Beagle & Fox Hound displays, Traditional Craft and skills demonstrations, ferret racing and many more. Weeton Show is the ideal day out for any family with something for everyone.
National Parks' week promises to be bigger and better than ever with a host of exciting events for everyone to enjoy. Dedicated to raising public awareness of Britain's National Parks, the week celebrates their beauty, diversity and the wide range of opportunities they offer for recreation and enjoyment. Here in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, we've got plenty on offer. Whether you want to visit old leadmines, get crafty, or get wild about wildlife, there's something for you.
August
Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival. Scarecrows first came to Kettlewell in 1994 whena fund raising event was organised for the local school which serves much of Upper Whrfedale with its villages,isolated hamlets and remote farms. The enthusiastic response of parents and residents led to over 100 scarecrows appearing in gardens,openspaces, hidden corners and even on rooftops. The event was successfully repeated and, growing year by year,now attracts thousands of visitors over a nine day period in August.
Ripley Agricultural Show. We have classes for Heavy and Light Horses (showing & jumping),Dogs, Sheep and Cattle, Vintage Machinery, Yorkshire's largest and finest display of Vintage Tractors,Horticultural, Produce and Handicrafts.
Brough Agricultural Show provides a wide variety of entertainment for all the family The attractions for 2011 promise to be even better than last year. The 16th Lancers, a British First World War Cavalry team, will be here to show their horsemanship in the main ring. The ladies of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (F.A.N.Y.) will also be in attendance.The show starts at 9.00am and closes at 6.00pm, so for a small entrance fee - £7 for adults, £6 for concessions and £2 for children under 14 years of age, - you can have a full day in the country being entertained.
Mirfield Family Agricultural Show is one of the most popular family days out in West Yorkshire. Embracing the whole family from parents to children, grand parents to the family pets, whilst respecting its traditional Yorkshire agricultural and county show roots - attracts include Main Ring Entertainment, Horse & Pony show, Fun Dog Show, Children's Rides and Races, Craft-Trade-Food Stalls, Best-in-Show Fruit, Flower, Vegetable, Rabbit, Cavy, Childrens and Domestic competitions and much more.
Limetree Festival is going to be a very special year for Limetree Festival and do keep posted for exciting up and coming news. Limetree is returning bigger and better, THREE stages this year ! Kids you get your own field and a whole programme packed with activities! There will also be a dedicated Kids page on the website which will be constantly updated as we get more attractions for your area!
Malham Show is held annually in the heart of beautiful Malhamdale in the Yorkshire Dales on August Bank Holiday Saturday. Under the shadow of Malham Cove this traditional agricultural and family country show has been taking place for over 100 years. Events and attractions on the show field all day: with some judging and horse events starting at 9am, main ring events start at 12 noon.
Wensleydale Show is located close to Leyburn, North Yorkshire in the heart of Wensleydale, The Wensleydale Show is a traditional Dales show. Everybody is welcome, a great family day out, in the heart of Wensleydale, with cattle,sheep, heavy horse competitions, flower, vegetable, walking stick and handicraft.
Barnard Castle Truck Show is one of the regions best loved events with a host of things to see and do, it has attracted thousands of visitors every year.The Truck Show has become a major event with a wide selection of vehicles on show and prize categories throughout the ranges it has helped to re-inforce the importance of the haulage Industry. The range of stands related to the industry are diverse from Insurance to the Major Manufacturers. The fun is all the things to see from the immaculate trucks to the star attraction for the last two years the Monster Trucks. With a wide range of food stands and the wide range of market stands there is a wide range of items for sale. The Beer tent is a firm favourite along with the evening entertainment, and the Arcade and Amusements for the children. If you are planning to make a weekend of it then you can rent a pitch for your Motorhome, Caravan or tent, or even the unexpected as was the case in 2008 an American Indian Wigwam. Year after year the Truck Show has proven to be a great day out for the whole family with lots to see and do.
Kilnsey Show is the Dales' foremost agricultural show with dry stone walling, produce, handicrafts, horticulture, equestrian events, fell races and harness racing.Food, refreshments and amusements for all the family.
The Annual Reeth Show is a traditional dales show in picturesque surroundings, Reeth Show in Swaledale, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is a great day out for the whole family, with entertainments, trade stands and a chance to see some of the best livestock on display. A real treat for everyone, whether you live in the area or are here on holiday.
September
Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge takes in the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, usually in this order, and in under 12 hours. These peaks form part of the Pennine range, and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The Moorcock Show is one of the oldest and leading sheep shows in the Yorkshire Dales, held by the Moorcock agricultural society. See and learn about breeds such as Swaledale, blue faced Leicester's and Rough Fell sheep. Have a great day out looking at vintage tractors, joining in the competitions and meeting the sheep. Also buy local produce from local stalls.
Ripon International Festival
Bowes Agricultural Show is located in an ideal rural and picturesque area Bowes Show can be found easily with access from the A66 at Bowes village. Bowes Show always has that great traditional atmosphere and makes agreat family day out.
1940s Weekend at Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. Celebrating the Bull Dog spirit of the home front.Relive the nostalgia of 1940s Wartime Britain. The Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway steps back to the difficult times of Wartime Britain. Various re-enactment societies attend the railway over both days. Watch out for the Home Guard, Soldiers and Airmen returning home on leave and, of course, the long suffering civilians.A frequent service of trains will operate on both Saturday and Sunday, between 10.30 and 15.40 (Bolton Abbey), 16.30 (Embsay), subject of course to enemy action. The railway has had special dispensation from the Ministry of Food to operate its refreshment rooms at Bolton Abbey and Embsay stations.
The Harrogate Autumn Flower Show will host some exciting new show gardens, plenty of live demonstrations, the stunning flower halls, cookery theatre, floral art, 'Gardening with Nature' and The Garden Roadshow.Something for everyone, the show is a great place to come and learn how to make the most of your garden and enjoy the great outdoors. Taste some local produce with foods from across the region, treat your garden with some great shopping and enjoy the entertainment.
York Food and Drink Festival is set in and around the City's many amazing historic venues.The Festival's main focus is Yorkshire food and drink. Visitors to the York Food Festival will find two principle elements, Parliament Street (free entry) consists of the markets, demonstration area, beer tent and information point - we also enclose the city's fountain in Parliament Street with a marquee and make this an evening venue for events. Secondly there is both a day time and evening programme of events in York Guildhall, Mansion House and in venues across the York.
Nidderdale Agricultural Show is a show for everyone with many other events and attractions.This years Nidderdale Show proved an outstanding success certainly being one many people will be talking about for weeks to come, especially as it will be televised in Oct/Nov on Channel 4 as part of Kirsty Allsop's Handmade Britain series.Kirsty and the team from Channel 4 have been busy filming for the last couple of weeks prior to the show getting specialists local to the area to guide her with her entries for the Nidderdale Show produce competitions.
Ilkley Literature Festival , The North's liveliest and most prestigious literature Festival / 180 events over seventeen days / Authors' events, Discussions, Readings, Performances, Workshops, Reader's Events, Literary Walks, Poetry, Festival Fringe, Children's and Young People's Weekend.
Masham Sheep Fair boasts one of the largest and finest market squares in England, famous for its sheep sales where in the past as many as 70,000 sheep were sold each year. The popular Masham Sheep Fair commemorates these times, raising much money for charity, and filling the town with sheepy fun and entertainment. Events include an action packed programme on both Saturday and Sunday, with a Sheep Show, Sheep Racing, Craft Market, Bishop Blaize Procession, Fleece Stalls, Wool Competition, Sheepdog Demonstrations, Hand Bell Ringers, Harvest Flowers, Morris Dancers, Art Exhibition and Tours of Theakstons & Black Sheep Breweries, as well as the Old Time Children's Fair.
October
Ingleton Folk Weekend, A weekend of live music, workshops, session, street entertainment, concerts and much more! Held at various venues in and around the village it's free entry to everything except for the Friday evening Ceilidh and the Saturday evening concert.
Ilkley Literature Festival , The North's liveliest and most prestigious literature Festival / 180 events over seventeen days / Authors' events, Discussions, Readings, Performances, Workshops, Reader's Events, Literary Walks, Poetry, Festival Fringe, Children's and Young People's Weekend.
Countryside Live :If you're looking for a great day out with the family that offers you something just a little bit different, then Countryside Live is the event for you! We aim to bring countryside to you - you'll see livestock, equine competitions, cookery demonstrations, hands-on crafts for you and the children plus Graham Fletcher is back with his amazing horsemanship demonstrations.
November
Spooky Spectacular at Bolton Castle. Dare you enter the witches Castle and join them for their Halloween Party? With spooky activities, trails and games for children of all ages to enjoy including pumpkin skittles, potion making, witch and wizard hat making, mask making, spooky dancing and more!
Yorkshire Antiques and Art Fair is an event organised by Bowman Antiques Fairs of Shipley. Bowman Antiques Fairs are now organising the Yorkshire Antiques and Art Fair twice a year in May and November. Exhibitors include dealers from all over the country in art, sculpture, furniture, silver, jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, writing accessories, collectables, vintage clothing and accessories, clocks, watches.
December
Grassington Dickensian Festival. During these three Saturdays Grassington is transported back to the time of Charles Dickens. See the Christmas lights, the village square and the streets transformed into a traditional market with shopkeepers, villagers and visitors dressed in Victorian costume.
Skipton Yuletide Festival & Christmas Market, the 'Gateway to the Dales' brings you Skipton's famous Yuletide Festival and market, which is now in its 18th year. This hugely successful event, brought to you by Skipton Town Council and the Skipton Business Improvement District attracts tens of thousands of people from across the country on the first two Sundays of December.Skipton's famous Market will be in full festive flow on both days - running the full length of the High Street.Together with the market there will be a full range of entertainment in the Town Centre throughout the day, both in the main High Street Arena and at locations across the Town. The whole of Skipton truly has a real Christmassy feel.The Yuletide Festival is an ideal opportunity to sample a great atmosphere - and to bag yourself a pre-Christmas bargain at the same time. In fact, you could do ALL your Christmas shopping in one go at the fabulous range of independent shops, market stalls and famous high street brands. Skipton also has two department stores - and a fabulous range of places to eat and drink.
Knaresborough Christmas Fair: Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, Knaresborough Lions and Knaresborough Rotary Club presents the annual Knaresborough Christmas Market. Get into the festive spirit with market stalls selling Christmas food, drink and gifts. Children's funfair. Spectacular firework finale in the Castle grounds on Sunday.
