Background to Otley Show, organised by The Wharfedale Agricultural Society.

The farmers around Otley in the late 1700's were keen to apply developments in agriculture taking place elsewhere in the U.K. In 1796 a competition for various livestock classes was conducted in the yard of the Royal White Horse. The Show acted as a focus for the local farming community to promote and encourage improvements in livestock breeding.

In 1804 Jones Whitaker of Burley in Wharfedale and the Reverend Armitage Rhodes of Horsforth visited William Coke of Norfolk to see the renowned stock show. On their return with support from Sir Henry Carr Ibbetson of Denton Park, the Wharfedale Agricultural Society was formed in 1806 to organise the Shows. Originally 2 shows per year were held, one at Easter and one in the late Autumn. The Society not only regulated the shows but purchased agricultural implements for the local farming community to conduct trials. As fashions changed, so many traditional local breeds became unpopular, these are now known as rare breeds. These rare breeds not only show us the type of animals our ancestors used but are vital as a gene bank to develop stock to suit changing fashions in farming and society at large. The objectives of the Society remain the same, to encourage and promote new farming methods and techniques, whilst maintaining and supporting the traditions of its former years and the farming and agricultural seniors.

OTLEY SHOW is held usually on the 3rd Saturday of May and is the first major agricultural show of the season. It is thought to be the oldest one day show in the country and is set in the picturesque Wharfe Valley. It attracts an average 15000 visitors and in addition to which, exhibitors in Cattle, Sheep, Horse, Goats, Poultry, Dogs, Produce, Handicrafts, Floral Art and Farriers. In excess of 100 Trade Stand Exhibitors and 40+ Craft Exhibitors also attend the show. Main attractions have recently included:- Dog Display Teams, Falconry Displays, Motorcycle Displays, The Sheep Show and this year. The Hawkmaster attired in mediaeval costume, riding a Shire Horse, flying Birds of Prey. During it's long history, Otley Show has rarely been cancelled:- twice in the 1800's, throughout the war years, 1983 when the showground was waterlogged and most recently in 2001 with the outbreak of Foot and Mouth. The effects of this disease were felt throughout the farming community and the many who were associated with the farming and agricultural industries. Many of the regular livestock exhibitors at Otley Show were affected by Foot and Mouth and many agricultural shows were cancelled that year, marquee contractors, mobile caterers, penning contractors etc were all badly hit. However, Otley Show is still one of the most successful events in Otley's calendar and will continue to promote farming and agriculture for many years to come.