SHEEP Day returns to Skipton this weekend after a year off because of the Tour de France Grand Depart.

Sunday's event sets out to celebrate the origins of 'Sheep Town' by bringing the countryside to the town's High Street.

It will combine great family entertainment with displays of indigenous crafts, drystone walling, spinning, weaving... and sheep!

The internationally-renowned sheep show will be back at the heart of the event.

Nine different breeds will take to the stage, and there will be humorous demonstrations of sheep-shearing and how fleeces are turned into wool, with the show finale featuring dancing sheep!

“We’re delighted Sheep Day is back after a year off – and we’re equally pleased the sheep show is returning as part of the entertainment, " said town centre manager, Brett Butler.

“This really is a true family event, with something for everyone – a real flavour of the countryside and a chance to celebrate Skipton’s heritage. We can’t wait."

Other entertainment will include a mini-petting zoo, birds of prey and the chance to be creative with some sheep-themed puppet workshops.

There will be live entertainment, too, from Skipton Brass Band, the Carleton Stompers, The Furness Morris Dancers, comedy act Farmer Giles and local magician twins Beck to Beck.

Visitors will also be able to take a trip back to Skipton’s medieval past with fight re-enactments and demonstrations from The Red Wyverns.

Skipton’s monthly farmers' market will move to the High Street for the day, with produce from across the Dales.

The event starts at 10am and runs through to 4pm. Skipton High Street will be closed for the day, with diversions in place around the town centre.

Sheep Day is planned and organised by Skipton Town Council, with financial support from the Skipton Town Partnership. Members of the local federation of Young Farmers will also be on hand.

To allow the event to go ahead safely, overnight parking will be suspended on Saturday night – and the road will be closed from about 5am.

Visit sheepday.co.uk for more details of the event.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Craven Herald, 38 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JU. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.