North Yorkshire County Show made a successful comeback in 2025 after the disappointment of being cancelled the previous year due to a lack of volunteers.
Buoyed by a long-term sponsorship package from H&H Insurance Brokers, which has an office in Northallerton, the community rallied around its local agricultural show and pulled out all the stops to make the return of the event one of the most memorable in its 180-year plus history.
An influx of new volunteers, many of them young people, stepped forward to serve on the show committee, and more than 10,000 people attended the event held at Otterington Hall, in Northallerton.
Due to its impressive return, North Yorkshire County Show was named as the Best Agricultural Event in the annual Northern Enterprise Awards 2025 which celebrate the achievements of local businesses and enterprises operating across the North of England.
Mark Hall, the committee chair, said: “We were inundated with requests from volunteers in 2025 and we were blown away at how much the show meant to local people. The community was really passionate about the show returning after it was cancelled in 2024.
“The momentum started with the hosting of a fundraising Christmas Tractor parade, and we have to say a huge thanks to main sponsors H&H Insurance Brokers for their support of both the tractor run and the main show.
“The firm’s financial commitment and desire to publicise the events put a spring in the step of local people, who were spurred on to help after seeing a company throw its weight behind the show.
“For the efforts of the committee, sponsors and residents to be recognised with a Northern Enterprise Award will provide further encouragement and positivity for the show.
“We are in a great position with a larger, younger committee than previous years and 2025 was only the beginning of the revival. We can’t wait to go bigger and better this year.”
North Yorkshire County Show was started in 1840 and includes livestock judging, alpacas, rabbit and guinea pig shows, craft and baking competitions, food stalls, vintage tractors, classic cars, light horse competitions, horse carriage driving and displays by the emergency services.
Corinne Cooper, an Associate Director for the North East and Yorkshire at H&H Insurance Brokers, said: “Having attended both the North Yorkshire County Show and the Northallerton Christmas Tractor Parade, it’s clear how important agricultural events like these are to the local community.
“H&H Insurance Brokers is pleased to have played a part in the revival of the county show, and to hear that locals were boosted by our support proves how worthwhile it is for businesses to get involved with community initiatives.
“Having experienced the enthusiasm and passion from the committee to put on a show to remember, it’s great to see them rewarded with this excellent Northern Enterprise Award. A huge well done to all involved.”
This year’s North Yorkshire County Show will be held at Otterington Hall, in Northallerton, on June 21.