Viewers from around the world see first virtual Great Yorkshire Show
A GLOBAL audience tuned in to watch the first ever Great Yorkshire Virtual Show unfold, with the three-day tribute to England’s premier agricultural show attracting viewers from more than 40 countries.
Over 130,000 people would have flocked to Harrogate for the real Great Yorkshire Show this week, but instead the annual flagship event went online, attracting viewers from as far away as Japan and New Zealand, while some schools broadcast the virtual event to pupils in classrooms.
In total, more than 60 show supporters, from farmers to food businesses and rural craftspeople, contributed their own video footage.
Headline acts included East Yorkshire-based Atkinson Action Horses, whose stunt rider Ben Atkinson filmed a battle stunts training session with one of his horses, while the stars of The Yorkshire Vet TV show, Peter Wright and Julian Norton featured to answer questions from the public.
Charles Mills, himself a farmer and the show director of the Great Yorkshire Show, said he hoped the show had helped lift people’s spirits during what had been a tough time.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted by, and grateful for the support for our first ever virtual show.
“While it was always clear that we could not replicate the Great Yorkshire Show as everyone knows and loves, I hope that everyone who tuned in found something to smile about, something that entertained them and hopefully they learned something new about farming, food and the countryside.”