What To See

Reeth Show is a traditional Yorkshire Dales agricultural show held every year for one day at the end of August in the picturesque surroundings of Swaledale. It boasts a great selection of trade and entertainment stands for all the family, from candyfloss and bouncy castles to tractors and a licensed bar. The show gets underway when Reeth Brass Band parade through the village, headed by the Show Committee and Judges, to finish in the showground where the band entertain the crowds for the day.

The show's largest marquee contains the hugely well attended horticulture and produce classes as well as walking sticks, handicrafts, handwriting, paintings and photography competitions. Other marquees hold the popular poultry classes and an array of gifts and craft stalls. Around the show field trade stands from the Dales and around the county offer plenty of opportunity for purchasing something original from rural crafts to excellent food.

The main show ring hosts large numbers of the customary horse and pony classes throughout the day including the more colourful categories of Open Driving Competition and Mounted Fancy Dress. Every year this main show ring also hosts a special feature. Elsewhere in the show field the sheep section showcases the best quality sheep breeds in the Dale, next to which there is a display of vintage tractors competing for best in show and during the day open quoits and dry stone walling competitions take place.

One of the main events of the day is the fell racing competition. The race traditionally goes up Fremington Edge overlooking the show field. The competitors are part of the British Open Fell Runners Association with races for all classes. Each year a prize is offered for breaking the course record.