In the wider region, show and carnival season begins with Penrith’s May Day Carnival but local agricultural shows get underway with High Force Sheep Show on May 20.
Restricted exclusively to Swaledales, this relatively small show show has in the region of 15 exhibitors and about 60 sheep on display.
While most of the exhibitors are from the Upper dale, some farmers come from as far a field as Kirkby Stephen to display their sheep.
A host of prizes donated by businesses as well as cash prizes are up for grabs.
There will also be a raffle on the day.
Show secretary Hanna Hunter confirmed that Lord and Lady Barnard are expected on the day to hand out the prizes.
Other Swaledale shows for the season include Tan Hill on May 25, Stainmore on June 3, and Langdon Beck on September 23.
Dale ponies will be celebrated in the first of two shows in Teesdale on on May 6 when the Dales Pony Society’s Spring Show gets underway at Streatlam Farm. The summer show takes place on August 5.
The first of the large agricultural show in Teesdale gets under way on September 9 when Bowes Show kicks off at Gilmonby.
Sheep and horses dominate, but visitors can expect a raft of other competitions including tractors, cattle, donkeys and dogs.
The produce section features categories for vegetables, crafts, baking and photography, amongst others.
Eggleston Show launches a week later on September 16.
The season rounds off with a vintage ploughing match at Ewebank Farm, in Greta Bridge, on October 1.
Along with the shows, a highlight in Teesdale are the carnivals which begin with Barnard Castle Meet on May 29, follwed a week later by Mickleton carnival, renowned for its old fashioned games, such as a coconut shy and skittles.
In successive weeks Bowes, Ingleton, Eggleston, Gainford and Cotherstone host their village carnivals. Staindrop features one of the dale’s larger carnivals. Middleton and Hamsterley host their events at the end of August.
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