Organisations hail Great Yorkshire Show as "template" for future events
The event is taking place as coronavirus case rates rise in Harrogate, but Covid-secure measures are in place
Last updated 13th Jul 2021
The Great Yorkshire Show has been hailed by small businesses and charities as a "template" for future similar events.
Many small organisations, who rely on events like the show to fundraise or sell their products, have been unable to meet the public for the past 16 months, because of coronavirus.
However, they say the first day of the Great Yorkshire Show has been a great opportunity to change that.
They also say organisers of other events coming up this summer should follow the lead of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
Covid-safe measures in place
The event is taking place on the same day that Harrogate's coronavirus infection rate rose to its highest level since the start of January.
Stall holders we spoke to say they feel safe, thanks to covid safety measures in place.
Catherine Scott, chief executive of Yorkshire Cancer Research, told us: "It's just brilliant to see everybody back. Today has been amazing, we're talking to the public about cancer, about cancer outcomes.
"There's a real feeling of joy among people here. I absolutely think this event is a great template. All of us on the stands have had to provide lateral flow tests that are negative, so we've been really carefully screened.
"Not only is the event not crowded, it's also actually quite pleasant, because they're running it for more days, so we've got better spread of people, so you don't have to queue for ages. It's a great template."
Helen Callear, Yorkshire Air Ambulance's Fundraising Director for North and East Yorkshire, said: "We haven't been able to do this for 18 months or more, which makes it so wonderful to be back out. We had cancellations to the value of ÂŁ400,000 to ÂŁ500,000 within a couple of weeks last year.
"Obviously you're very worried about the next step, and new variants, but while we can get out there and fundraise we will, while keeping everybody safe.
"We've probably got hundreds of events coming up this summer, with full diaries for North, South, East and West Yorkshire!"
Business Owner Chris Clarke said: "We're still wearing masks for indoor spaces, but an outdoor event like this is quite good. It's getting people out, and able to see products that they'd not normally see.
"We do have a few other shows to go, so hopefully people are going to get a bit more relaxed. I do worry with covid rates going up. Hopefully it doesn't stop people coming or close the events down."