THOUSANDS are expected in Skipton on Sunday for the town's hugely popular Sheep Day.

Voted one of the nation's top 'weirdest' events, the free family event celebrates the origins of 'Sheep Town' and brings the countryside to the heart of the High Street - just like it did before the auction mart was moved out of the town centre.

Now firmly established on Craven's show calender, it combines quirky family entertainment with displays of crafts, drystone walling, spinning, weaving – and, of course plenty of sheep.

The Sheep Show - which has travelled all over the world - will be back at the heart of the event with a hilarious but informative ‘live’ stage show about sheep and wool.

Nine different breeds 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 the Nidderdale Llamas.

There will also be displays of rare breeds sheep, a bucking sheep - for people to take their chances - and the popular return of racing sheep, organised by members of the area's Federation of Young Farmers.

South Craven singer, Niamh Mirfield will be providing some live entertainment, along with brass bands and Morris dancing.

Skipton’s monthly Farmers Market will also take place at the canal basin selling produce sourced from across the Dales.

"We’re hoping the weather is kind to us this coming weekend as Sheep Day is one of our most popular events and we have a great line-up this year, " said Skipton events and tourism 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.”

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 centre. To ensure the event can go ahead safely, overnight parking will be suspended on the Saturday night – and the road will be closed from around 5am.

Sheep Day is planned and organised by Skipton Town Council, with financial support from the Skipton Business Improvement District.