THE Bramhope Show has been a fixture of village life since 1948 and there has been a show in the village hall and the surrounding grounds every year since then, apart from the lockdown year of 2020.

The show, with its enjoyable mix of competitions, stalls, entertainment and food and drink, is hugely popular. Last year was an all-time record for entries, attendance and money raised for the village hall.

Yet in March of this year it seemed very likely that there would be no show in 2024. Numbers on the show committee had dwindled in recent years and there were just do not enough people to help plan and organise the event. The show faced cancellation, and once an annual event fails to take place, it is very hard to revive.

Appeals were put out on social media, in the Village Newsletter and in the Wharfedale Observer (which devoted a whole page to the subject) advertising meetings to see if the show could be rescued. The appeals and meetings worked. Enthusiastic volunteers came forward. New ways of working were found. New sponsors and advertisers came forward to support the show. Fresh and eye-catching designs were produced for the posters and the show programme.

Entry forms for the wide variety of classes can be found in the show programme and on the village hall website www.bramhopevillagehall.uk.

The classes range from flowers and vegetables to photography and art to baking and handicrafts. There are also junior classes for different age ranges.

A spokesperson said: "The entries and the judges verdicts are displayed in the marquee where you can marvel at the ingenuity and perseverance on display, and perhaps be inspired to enter in 2025.

"There is a children’s fancy dress parade and the family pet show. Refreshments are available throughout the afternoon: barbecue, bars, soft drinks, plus our very popular homemade cake stall. There are fun stalls to test your skills, coconut shy, beat the goalie, crazy golf, hoop-la plus lots of children’s stalls and our popular tombola.

"In the main hall and on the tennis court you will find stalls from local businesses, charities and community organisations. By popular demand, the children’s entertainer is Partymania, with live music from Recycled."

The show takes place on Sunday, September 8 at the village hall on Old Lane, Bramhope, LS16 9AZ. Gates open at 1 pm. Admission is £3.50 for adults and £1.50 for under 16s and seniors.

And just as the first show in 1948 was opened by the local MP, Sir Malcolm Stoddart Scott, the 2024 show will be opened by newly elected MP for Leeds North West, Katie White.