SKIPTON'S ever-popular and long-standing Sheep Day returns to the town centre on Sunday.

Recently voted by customers of National Express Holidays as one of their five favourite ‘quirky’ events in the country, Sheep Day celebrates the origins of 'Sheep Town' and brings the countryside to the heart of the High Street.

It combines great family entertainment with displays of local crafts, drystone walling, spinning, weaving – and sheep.

The Sheep Show – known all over the world – will be back at the heart of the event, with an hilarious but informative stage show centred around sheep and wool.

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

Other entertainment will include a mini petting zoo, birds of prey, a dog and duck display and Nidderdale Llamas.

There will also be displays of rare-bred sheep and the return of some light-hearted sheep racing, organised by members of the local Federation of Young Farmers.

In addition, there will be live entertainment, with brass bands, samba bands and morris dancing, plus plenty to eat and drink.

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

Town centre manager, Brett Butler, said Sheep Day is one of the town's most popular events.

He added: “We’re hoping the weather is kind to us, as we have a great line-up this year.

"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.”

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. Overnight parking will be suspended on the Saturday night to ensure the event can go ahead safely, with the road will be closed from about 5am.

The event is planned and organised by Skipton Town Council, with financial support from the Skipton Town Partnership.

Visit the Sheep Day website at sheepday.co.uk for more details.