UP-AND-COMING designers will be rubbing shoulders with the established elite when they present their collections on the catwalk at the Great Yorkshire Show. More than 135,000 visitors are expected to flock to the show when it opens its gates in Harrogate from Tuesday, July 8 to Thursday, July 10 for what will be the 156th show.

Many of those visitors will jostle for the highly- prized front row seats in the popular Skipton Building Society Fashion Pavilion, which plays host to four-times daily fashion shows during each of the three days.

Luxury lingerie and swimwear retailer Rigby and Peller, which opened its first north of England store in Harrogate earlier in the year, has given the event its seal of approval.

The boutique, which holds a Royal warrant, will be presenting colourful swimwear, sarongs and cover-ups on the catwalk for the first time.

Also making its Great Yorkshire Show debut will be internationally acclaimed countrywear specialist Barbour, which celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Having teamed up with Boroughbridge-based artist Julie Dodsworth, the company, renowned for defining the essence of true British style, will be unveiling its new autumn/winter collection.

“The fashion shows are always one of the highlights of the Great Yorkshire and enable us to highlight the importance of the textile industry and its links within the region,” says Great Yorkshire Show director Bill Cowling.

Young designers from across the region, including students from Harrogate College of Art and Design and Northallerton College, will also be unveiling stunning, oneoff pieces guaranteed to turn heads.

  • Tickets for the show are available online at greatyorkshireshow.co.uk or call 01423-541222. Parking is free and free buses will run from Harrogate Railway Station to the showground.