THE Great Yorkshire Show will take place over four days for the first time in its history if the event is able to go ahead as planned this summer.

Following last month’s announcement that the show would return this year if it is safe to do so, organisers, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS), says that the show will take place from Tuesday, July 13, to Friday, July 16, from 8am to 5pm each day.

Farming charity YAS says, however, that the showcase of farming, food and the countryside will only take place if the Government’s roadmap out of coronavirus restrictions remains unchanged.

It is anticipated that there will be a strict cap on the number of people allowed to gather at large events and so by adding a fourth day to the Great Yorkshire Show, more visitors will have the chance to attend safely.

Charles Mills, Honorary Show Director of the Great Yorkshire Show, said: “We are thrilled by the response to our plans for the show this year in what we know will not quite be normal circumstances.

“We do expect there to be a limit on how many people can attend on any one day of the show and so for the first time in our history, we believe the best option is to offer a four-day event.”

Consideration is being given to the show’s format so that it meets likely government guidelines but the society expects most sections of the show to go ahead, with an emphasis on holding as many activities outdoors as possible.

Tickets will only be available in advance and will go on sale on June 1. Any updates will be posted on the show’s website and on social media.

Last year’s Great Yorkshire Show was cancelled in full for the first time since the Foot-and-Mouth outbreak in 2001. Coronavirus restrictions meant the 2020 Show went virtual instead.

The pandemic may have sidelined major events but YAS continues to offer year-round support to the farming community.