AN HISTORIC fair takes place next weekend, which traces its roots back to when a Yorkshire Dales market town traded tens of thousands of sheep every year.

Masham Sheep Fair celebrates all aspects of sheep farming and takes place on Saturday (September 27) and Sunday (September 28). The event commemorates the time when as many as 70,000 sheep were sold each year in the town’s market place.

There will be sheep shows and classes and entertainment such as sheep racing, sheepdog demonstrations, tours of Theakston and Black Sheep breweries, a procession through the town and a flower display in St Mary’s Church.

The show also celebrates other aspects of sheep farming and this year will include The Wool Event at Masham Town Hall, where exhibitors and crafts people reflect on the importance of sheep and wool to Masham.

They will demonstrate what can be done with wool from raw fleece to the finished article, including spinning, knitting, crochet, weaving, felting and woollen goods for sale from passionate local artisans.

One of the show’s long-standing volunteers, well-loved local farmer Ken Wilkinson, died this year aged 64. His funeral attracted more than 500 people. A new cup for classes for Young Farmers will be added to the show in his memory, as he was keen to support young farmers in his lifetime.

Last year the voluntary Sheep Fair organisers managed to raise £9,500 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and this year hopes to exceed that target. It is hoped that the Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopter will be in Masham on Saturday from noon until 2pm so visitors can learn more about the work they do.

Masham Sheep Festival also donates to a number of other local charities and organisations.