ORGANISERS of upper Teesdale’s traditional sheep show are “very excited” about returning to the showfield on Saturday after it was called off last autumn due to Covid-19.
Langdon Beck Show has been a popular fixture on the farming community’s calendar since it was relaunched in 2000.
The event, held at the Langdon Beck Hotel, was first run in 1894 and held each year until 1908.
It was relaunched in 2000 specialising in Swaledale sheep but with other traditional home produce classes.
Last September was only the second time the show had to be cancelled. Activities had to be put on hold in 2001 when there was a foot-and-mouth outbreak.
Nicola Foster, show secretary, said: “When we took the decision to run the show in July, we weren’t sure what things would be like so wanted to be cautious so we have not made any changes to classes. If anything, we have scaled back a bit.
“Although we do want lots of people through the gates, we want to reassure them we have taken care to keep everyone safe.”
As well as a one-way system in the marquees there will be hand sanitiser stations on the show field. She added: “Last year at our annual meeting we had planned a few changes in the sheep and produce sections, as well the children’s categories, but with scaling things back this time those changes won’t come in until next year.
“We hope to get more kids involved both in the sheep showing and the tented classes as well.”
One change that has been implemented is an earlier closing date for entries.
Ms Foster added: “Closing date would normally be the week before the show but we decided to close the entries a week early with the new posted entry system.
“I’ve already had a lot coming in for the produce side, but with the sheep it’s always last minute.
“I hope everybody has missed us this last year and that we get good weather for the day.
“We’re all very excited to get up and running again and keen to get sheep back on the showfield again.”
