5:50pm Thursday 9th July 2009
Skipton Sheep Day made a triumphant return to the town – despite having no live sheep.
Continuing DEFRA restrictions on the movement of live animals ruled out sheep appearing at Sunday’s event in the town centre.
But a day packed with attractions and glorious weather saw thousands of people flocking to the town.
Skipton town manager Brett Butler said the event – returning after a year off – had been a great success.
“We were absolutely delighted with the event. The weather held up for us and it was great to see so many people having a leisurely walk around the town enjoying the various attractions,” he said.
The sheep-themed day included sheep dog demonstrations, dry-stone walling, tractor-pulling and an appearance by children’s TV favourite Shaun the Sheep.
Adults and children queued to see how long they could stay on a “bucking sheep” and some of the Calendar Girls spent the day autographing copies of their new 2010 calendar.
Visitors also voted on their favourite model sheep – created by Skipton schoolchildren and placed at various sites around the town centre.
And Craven District Council handed out lunch boxes to children with food donated by some of the town’s businesses.
Coun Richard Foster said: “The sheep made by schoolchildren really were fantastic and it added a whole new dimension to the day. I’d like to thank the schools for all their hard work in creating the models, which were proudly displayed around the town.”
Mr Butler said people had come from far and wide for the event.
“We spoke to visitors from all over the country and several from abroad, including Australia and the United States, but it was particularly good to see so many local people and their families in the town,” he said. “We hope we can now build on the event for the future and make it better each year.”
Much of the event was paid for by the town council, although it was also supported by Skipton Business Improvement District (BID).
It is hoped DEFRA restrictions might be lifted in time for next year’s event so that live sheep can return.
Mr Butler said: “There are still many restrictions on the movement of animals and the paperwork involved made it impossible for this year.
“However, we are confident we will see sheep back in the town centre next year.
“Meanwhile, we are very pleased with the response this year and look forward to seeing everyone back here next July.”
Members of the public were invited to vote for their favourite sheep.
The winners were: Christ Church School with High Street Sheep, displayed in Rackhams; Ings School, disco diva, displayed in Next; and James Iannaccone, Water Street School for his sheep in Craven Stationery.
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