With just over 130 days to go until the first day of the Great Yorkshire Show, the first tickets are flying out of the door for what will be the 157th show.

The first phone call to book tickets came in as the office at the Great Yorkshire Showground opened at 9am, followed by a steady stream of inquiries throughout the day.

Dates are Tuesday 14 – Thursday 16 July when more than 130,000 visitors are expected to attend. This will be the 10th for Bill Cowling as Honorary Show Director, and will be particularly poignant as he steps down from the “top job” on the last day.

Some 12,000 entries across the competitive classes form the backbone to the farming showcase, from champion bulls to rabbits to poultry. Heading the Main Ring programme this year will be the fast and furious Shetland Pony Grand National which sees youngsters race head to head on their speedy mini mounts around the arena.

Elsewhere, visitors will find demonstrations of country skills, fashion shows, exhibitions of regional food and drink and exciting ring displays.

Tickets are available either on line – go to www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk - or call 01423 541222.

Parking is free and extensive. Please note that dogs other than assistance dogs are not allowed on the showground.