Competitors and exhibitors are gearing up for a feast of agricultural shows with two of the premier events in the Yorkshire Dales taking place within just three days of each other.

Malhamdale Show kicks off on Saturday, August 24 – just a week after Gargrave Show – to be followed by Kilnsey Show on Tuesday August 27.

Both are set in the shadow of two of the most famous landscapes in the Dales – Malham with its backdrop of Malham Cove and Kilnsey beneath the overhanging Crag.

People wishing to get their full value of the £10 entry ticket at Kilnsey – under-5s are free and 16s and below pay £2 – should turn up by 8.30am when showjumping starts.

From then throughout the morning, in about 15-minute intervals, the other events get started, including sheep dog trials, cattle judging, produce and horticulture, sheep shearing, the mountain and moorland classes and angling demonstration.

Kilnsey secretary Kathy Lambert said: “The show catches second wind in the afternoon and moves into its sports programme where interest centres mainly, but not exclusively, on fell racing followed by harness racing.

“There’s more than just livestock and the usual range of produce, craft and trade stands. Horse riding events, sheep dog trials and vintage tractor displays among other attractions ensure there is interest for visitors.”

Those visitors descending on Malham, three days earlier, will see a new event on the showground. A gift, so to speak, following the demise of Broughton Game Show.

It is to stage whippet racing and a whippet show, which was one of the most popular attractions at Broughton over the years.

Show chairman Jo Smith said: “It is great to see new entertainment alongside all the traditional events and we are especially glad that we are able to welcome the whippet show and races following the demise of Broughton Game Show.

“We hope all our visitors get the chance to see everything that is going on during what promises to be a packed schedule throughout the day.”

The dry stone walling competition, Trailquest mountain bike event and the working hunter classes start the day off at 8.30am, with the presentation of the fell race trophies finishing events at around 4pm.

In between, catch the 360 Mountain Bike Stunt display team, back again for a second year, alongside the usual beef and dairy cows, sheep, vintage vehicles and heavy horses.

There will be over 1,000 entries in the marquee, including flowers, vegetables, baking and children’s classes.

This year, the show welcomes a new attraction as The Circus of Food cookery theatre demonstrates dishes using food from the farmers’ market.

Organisers have also prepared another new feast for the eyes, with a cookery demonstration by Mark Dale, head chef at Malham Tarn Centre. He will be showing how to get the best out of local produce.

Tickets for adults are £8 and under 16s go free.