08/07/2008 01:49:00
More than 100,000 visitors are expected to visit the Great Yorkshire Show, which opens today.
Celebrating its 150th anniversary, the Great Yorkshire Show is hoping for a successful run after a poor turnout in 2007. The show experienced 10 per cent less visitors than in 2006 due to bad weather.
Despite dubious weather predictions, this year's event is set to be one of the most popular - special guests in attendance includes the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
This year is the first time the Queen has attended the Harrogate-based show since 1977.
The BBC reports that Bill Cowling, the show's director, said: "We are delighted that The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh are visiting the Great Yorkshire Show, particularly during this, our 150th show.
"It is a great honour to welcome royal visitors to the showground."
The three-day event will include a display of thousands of animals, as well as various other agricultural events. Visitors will be able to view demonstrations of rural skills, such as wood carving and sheep-shearing, and participate in some interactive activities.
There will be arts and crafts for sale, as well as various food exhibitions - including the renowned Great Yorkshire Cheese and Dairy Show.
Some of the biggest attractions this year include an equestrian display in the main ring by the Great Lorenzo and performances by brass musicians, the Black Dyke Band.
First established as a one-day event in York in 1938, the Great Yorkshire Show has now evolved into the largest agricultural event in the north of England and attracts visitors from all over the UK.