Celebrating our agricultural heritage since 1903
A Historical Overview
The Gargrave Show, organized by the Gargrave Agricultural and Horticultural Society Ltd, has a storied history that reflects the evolution of agriculture and community engagement in the region. Over the years, it has grown in scope and scale, continually adapting to showcase the best of rural skills, crafts, and produce. Its enduring popularity underscores its significance as a cherished event in the local calendar.
The Gargrave Show serves as more than just an exhibition; it is a celebration of community and cultural heritage. The event offers attendees the opportunity to immerse themselves in the best of Yorkshire’s rural traditions, from livestock displays to local culinary delights. The show’s setting, with the majestic Eshton Hall as a backdrop, adds to its unique charm and appeal.
Did you know?
- Prior to 1903, Gargrave held an annual flower show
- In 1903 this was expanded to include fruit & veg and became the "Gargrave Horticultural Show"
- This show was held on the Cricket Pitch
- After the war, livestock categories were added, and this was the birth of the show as we know it today
Event Highlights
The show traditionally features a diverse array of attractions and competitions designed to appeal to all ages. Livestock exhibitions are a central component, with local farmers presenting their finest cattle, sheep, and other animals. These exhibitions not only highlight the quality of regional livestock but also foster a sense of pride and camaraderie among participants.
Equestrian enthusiasts are well catered for, with multiple rings dedicated to various classes. The Showjumping Ring, Main Ring, and Shetland Ring host events ranging from showjumping and ridden hunters to Shetland pony classes. Despite occasional challenging weather conditions, the spirit of competition and celebration remains undampened.
In addition to animal showcases, the Gargrave Show offers a plethora of other attractions. Visitors can explore vintage car displays, marvel at heavy horse competitions, and enjoy a variety of local crafts and produce stalls. The event also features traditional entertainments, such as egg throwing and bouncy castles, ensuring a delightful experience for younger attendees.
The Location
The present day Gargrave Show takes place in the field directly below the Grade ll listed Eshton Hall, with kind permission of Mr G Taylor & family, Mr J. Tennant and the Thompson family, but this hasn’t always been the case.
The first Gargrave Show actually took place on Gargrave Cricket pitch and was a much smaller event than the current show as it only included horticultural classes.
After the war, this was expanded to include livestock and the present day show was born. However, the show hasn’t always taken place on the current show field. In the past it has been held to the West of the current show field (as seen in the image above) and was also held, for a period of time, in a field next to the Johnson and Johnson’s factory.
The images that you can see on this page were all taken at various shows throughout the 1980’s. The images are a part of the Dennis French Gargrave History collection and were digitised in 2025 by the Gargrave Show committee. There were over 100 images that formed part of the collection and you can view them all by clicking here.