Summer is here and August is a great month for visiting the North York Moors.
Our 3 absolute favourite things to do this month are:
1. North York Moors Chamber Music Festival runs every year for two weeks. This year’s theme is “Echo’s”. Where the musicians explore the phenomenon of influence, of cycles through the ages, musical shadows, and themes which echo the time. We’re looking forward to some of the concerts along with hosting one of the musicians, as many of the village do to support this wonderful festival.
2. Malton Food Festival Perfect for all foodies, this festival is held over the bank holiday weekend. Free to enter, it’s a fabulous few day of celebrating and showcasing the many fantastic local producers in the region. Read our tips for how to make the most of a visit here.
3. Agricultural and Country Shows were new to us when we moved to Appleton. If there is one event which sums up what this local area is all about, it’s these. If you are visiting the area, we urge you to make time to go to one if you can.
Our favourites are Danby, Farndale and Rosedale shows. We love the smaller shows rather than the big ones.
We went for the first time to Rosedale last year and loved it. Each show has its own unique character. They are as much fun for people watching as for admiring the animals and produce. You’d expect to see sheep, cattle and horses. But look out for giant rabbits, ferrets, hens and amazing vegetables. As well as left of field items such as the longest thistle.
It’s a social event with friends and family using these days to meet up with each other. Everyone seems to have at least one dog.
If you arrive early, it’s a great time to see farmers making the final tweaks to their beasts. From making sure there’s not a white hair on a sheeps black muzzle to shampooing and talcing their cattle.
We recommend a sweep of the show ground to work out the best place for food (usually the stall with the longest queue) Then check out the running order of classes and station yourself in the best place to watch them. The judges take their duties very seriously. And after the rosettes are awarded, wander round to see the winning stock. Winning at some of these shows is a huge deal to farmers. It can increase market prices and also secure breeding lines.
If you are lucky there will be a brass band playing somewhere. And the children’s classes are worth a look. From crafts in the produce tent, to hobby horse racing.
When judging is over in the produce tents, it’s worth a wander round. Check out the judges’ comments. Some shows have judges feedback on a post it. As you’d expect in Yorkshire, they don’t mince their words. And some of the produce is spectacular. You can also get a sense of which farming families are the ones to compete with. It’s amazing how the same names keep cropping up on the winning tickets.
All in all, it’s a grand day out.
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