Honley Show 2022
Honley Show
Free tickets for children, a new venue and a return to largescale agricultural competitions are just a few of the hottest attractions planned for Honley’s biggest community event.
Preparations are in full swing for the annual 2022 Honley Show which will be held in fields off Wilshaw Mill Road, Wilshaw, for the first time in the show’s 101-year history.
The event is planned for Saturday, 23 July. Organisers say the later date was chosen to coincide with the start of the school summer holiday to help maximise competitor and spectator attendance.
Children under 14 years can attend free of charge if adults buy tickets before the day online or at one of several local businesses, including Taylors, Honley DIY, Yorkshire Building Society, Belong and Fitzpatrick’s fuels.
Anyone wanting to book a trade stand can do so through the show’s website.
Community Spirit
Honley Show is a popular, one-day community event with local schools, churches and community groups all coming together in support.
Attractions for the whole family include the traditional Punch and Judy show, vintage tractors and cars, pigs, goats, sheep, cattle, rabbits and even eggs.
As well as the highly competitive agricultural classes, there will also be a fun dog show, as well as musical entertainment from Honley Male Voice Choir and local bands, including Honley Silver Band. There will be food courts, trade stalls and handicrafts.
Exhibitions have been arranged for local school children to showcase their work in Lego construction, baking, product design and technology, handwriting, arts and crafts.
Adult competitions in arts and crafts, textile skills, baking, preserves and floral arrangements are also planned.
The show’s well attended centenary celebration was held at Honley Cricket Club last September. This year, the show will be held at the new, larger site, bringing with it space to return to the traditional format and scale of a competitive agricultural show.
Competitions will be held in the usual animal classes and those attending will enjoy the return of the popular horse classes.
Closer to its Honley Roots
Organisers say that by popular demand, the show has moved closer to its Honley roots, with the new site being conveniently located between Honley, Meltham and Holmfirth, and providing plenty of parking.
Show President Peter Aspinall said: “We are excited to be returning to the usual format and scale of show that we have historically provided. Delivering a leading agricultural show is very much what we are here for.
“It was obvious from feedback last year that bringing the show closer to Honley would be a popular move. We are sure this event will be as fun-filled and entertaining as last year’s.
“Honley Show is one of the most prestigious, well attended and well respected one day agricultural shows in the county. Traditional but always surprising, there’s something new every year to help make it a great day out for the kids and adults alike.”
We’re Stronger Together
Last year, Honley Business Association (HBA) helped to support the event by supplying gazebos and volunteers. This year, HBA members are continuing their support for the community event. Honley Youth Club will hold a stall that will be manned by youth members. Anyone who can support the stall by donating raffle prizes can do so by emailing youth project manager Kayzia Barnes.
Many local companies sponsor and support the show each year, with two of the main sponsors being Honley’s Belong Estate and Letting Agents and haulage company Moorhouse.
A Show Run by Horsepower
The event takes a lot of horsepower to set up and run. Honley Show is managed entirely by volunteers, and organisers are always on the lookout for new faces to join their team.
Peter said: “We would love to hear from anyone who can help. There are plenty of roles both ahead of and on the day that we need help with.”
Anyone who can help or support the event should contact organisers through the show’s Facebook page.
* Photography by Sandie Nicholson.
