ONE of the country's premier rural event, the Great Yorkshire Show will take place from Tuesday, July 11 to Thursday, July 13 next year for what will be the 159th show.

With a mix of exciting entertainment, top class animals competing for the prestigious awards, hands-on activities and plenty of shopping opportunities, it’s always a superb event.

Each year about 130,000 people head for the event at the showground on the edge of Harrogate.

It is a “must” for farmers the length and breadth of the UK and beyond. For many it is the culmination of months of work as they pit their livestock against the finest for the coveted championship awards.

And for others it’s a well earned break away from the pressures of farming life to see the latest industry technology as well as catch up with friends and on agriculture’s hot topics.

Around the showground visitors can also enjoy:

l Thousands of animals competing in the classes ranging from rabbits to racehorses and award winning livestock;

l Around 1,200 stands with everything from combine harvesters to country clothing;

l Exciting demonstrations including horse shoeing, sheep shearing and artists showcasing their work;

l Top class showjumping with international riders;

l Horticultural heaven including show gardens;

l Delicious regional food and cookery demonstrations from leading chefs;

l Cutting edge fashion on the catwalk from high street names and the region’s top fashion students.

The Great Yorkshire Show is organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society as part of its year-round work supporting agriculture and caring for the countryside.

Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, but gift vouchers are available now. For the latest information, go to greatyorkshireshow.co.uk