ORGANISERS of agricultural shows taking place in Reeth and Wensleydale this Bank Holiday Weekend have said the events will bring much-needed enjoyment for communities after being hit by severe flooding at the end of July.

Wensleydale Show, taking place tomorrow, and Reeth Show, on Bank Holiday Monday, August 26, are taking place despite showgrounds being affected by flooding, after major clean-up operations and drainage works being carried out.

Beverley Rutter, one of the secretaries for Reeth Show, said: “The field is up and running. We had a big group of Young Farmers come and help to clear debris and we have put matting down to protect the ground while the marquis go up.

“Everything is running as normal, but this year we do have a park and ride service in place as the field we usually use for parking is still flooded. The car park will be at Ellerton Abbey, and a shuttle bus will bring people in.

“We have made sure the fell race route is safe, and this year we have a dry stone walling competition which has been very popular – we have had so many entries for that.

“We always get a lot of support for the show and this year is no different. The landowners have been very supportive, and we have been working with them to ensure we protect the field as best we can.

“The show is a great time for people to meet up, and it will bring a great moral boost after a difficult few weeks.”

Kenton Foster, chairman of Wensleydale Show, said the showfield had been drying well.

He said: “As long as we don’t get too much rain before the show, the field is drying brilliantly. I’m surprised how quickly is dried in just one day.

“This year we will welcome ‘Broke FMX’ motorcross stunt display team which will be excellent. We have a gun dog scurry, and our vintage classes of vehicles, ranging from classic cars to tractors, is well up on last year which is fantastic.

“Every animal class is up apart from horses, but that is because there has been a recent equine flu outbreak and owners are being cautious.

For Reeth Show there will be free parking at Ellerton Abbey Farm on the B6270 Richmond to Grinton Road, with a free bus service to the showground, from 10am with return journeys up to 6pm.