THE GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW

by Adam Nichols

A record turnout of hundreds of international visitors has made this year's Great Yorkshire Show one of the best yet.

More than 350 foreign showgoers have seen the hundreds of stalls, exhibitions and competitions beating last years record by more than 70.

They made the trip to North Yorkshire from as far away as Bermuda, Jamaica, China, New Zealand and Brazil.

And the figures coincide with overall turnout figures which organisers believe could make 1998 a record-breaking year, beating last year's estimated attendance numbers of 111,000 people.

The impressive country count topped 32, according to Nick Wykes, steward at the show's International Pavilion.

He said: "There is nothing like the Great Yorkshire Show anywhere else in the world and all the people who have been to see us seem to have thoroughly enjoyed their trip.

"The number of countries that have been represented has been absolutely staggering and we are extremely impressed."

The high international attendance could mean even more people from across the world visiting next year.

Mr Wykes said: "I don't think many international visitors come specifically for the show - more likely they're on holiday in the area and they came because it's on, but it is undoubtedly a great advert for it.

"They go home and tell their friends and family about it and what a great time they had. It's giving the Great Yorkshire Show an international reputation."

The International Pavilion helps foreign visitors to find their way around the showground and attempts to resolve language difficulties.

It is designed to extend a special Yorkshire welcome.

Whether this year's show has passed 1997's total figures won't be known until the official attendance figures are released in the next few days.

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