A SCHEDULE is available and entries are now open for the innovative online classes that are being staged to replace this year’s cancelled Kilnsey Show & Sports, which like many others fell victim to Covid-19.

Organisers, Upper Wharfedale Agricultural Society, were keen to ensure that the famous show must be staged in at least some format this year, so, again like others, came up with the idea of staging virtual online classes for various sections.

The Yorkshire Dales’ highlight has long been renowned for its keynote sheep and cattle show sections and these will both go ahead, the latter with much the usual classes, the former with classes for all the recognised sheep breeds, many indigenous to the Dales, though restricted to one ram and one female, both of any age, of each breed per entrant.

There are also online classes for heavy horses, including Shires, Young Farmers’ sheep judging, vintage tractors and some handicraft sections, including children’s classes.

The organisers point out that for ease of administration it has been necessary to restrict entries to only competitors who have participated in the previous two annual shows or those who live within a 15 mile radius of the showfield.

The winners will be announced on what would have been 2020 show day, September 1, and all will receive prize certificates by email. In the interim, to maintain interest pictures and details of entries will be posted on the show website and via the usual social media channels.

First staged in 1897, Kilnsey Show & Sports, one of the UK’s longest established, largest and most popular one-day agricultural shows, has only previously been cancelled twice in its long and proud history. This year would have been the 123rd.

Show chairman Chris Windle said: “While the management committee had no option but to cancel this year’s event we were determined that the show must go on in some format and by staging online classes which are feasible we are doing just that.

“Needless to say, we all look forward to welcoming everyone back to the 124th Kilnsey Show & Sports on Tuesday, August 31, next year. As usual it will shine the spotlight on the very best aspects of local farming, rural life, food and produce, arts and crafts. In fact, it could well be the biggest and best we have ever staged!”

The online schedule, with full details of classes, how to enter, plus terms and conditions of entry, is now available at www.kilnseyshow.co.uk and via the show’s Facebook page, with the closing date for entries set for Saturday, August 15