The two-day countryside extravaganza, the little sister to the Great Yorkshire Show, takes place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2015.
As well as classes for cattle, sheep, horses, poultry and pigeons, there’s an opportunity to see, and handle, some far more exotic creatures.
5 year old Benny Evans getting a sneak preview Countryside Live
The exciting Create & Explore area, with dozens of free hands-on activities ranging from felt, bread and chocolate making, to circus skills, the story of wool and baby chicks hatching, this year includes creatures from educational organisation Animals in Tuition. And Benny, a pupil at Oatlands Infants School, Harrogate, popped to the showground to meet one of the snakes which will feature.
Snakes, tarantulas, tortoises, as well as more conventional pets including Beatrix the rabbit, will all be at the event with Mags Hudson, from Animals in Tuition, which aims to promote respect and understanding for a wide variety of creatures and their habitats.
Show Director, Charles Mills, said: “Countryside Live is a super event, there are lots of activities and demonstrations to interest every age group. Animals are always a key feature, whether they are champion cattle and sheep, rabbits or even the more exotic.”
Bjorn the Polar Bear will be making his debut at Countryside Live, alongside Arctic explorer Ursula, while Olympic riders Graham and Tina Fletcher are returning to the event to run their ever-popular Search for a Talented Show Jumper competition.
Visitors to Countryside Live can also enjoy birds of prey and dog agility demonstrations, as well as the chance to drive a digger courtesy of Diggerland.
Knaresborough Horticultural Society is holding its Late Show at the event, with classes for a wide range of floral, vegetable, cookery and handicraft skills, and The Forge is playing host to farriery competitions across the weekend.
Countryside Live is open from 9am to 5.30pm daily, and parking is free and extensive. For the latest information and tickets, visit the website at www.countrysidelive.co.uk
