TENS of thousands will flock to the Great Yorkshire Show, which starts today.

But 80 years ago this week, it was Huddersfield that was the centre of attention.

Fields off Long Lane, Dalton, played host to the Great Yorkshire Show of 1931.

And big crowds flocked to the showground over the course of three days, July 14-16, 1931.

The livestock classes – still enormously popular today – were a big attraction to people who had never had the chance to get so close to cattle and horses.

But there was also keen rivalry among Huddersfield’s businesses at the time, vying to attract visitors to their show stands.

Those taking part included furniture sellers Oldfield & Studdard, fridge makers Crowther & Shaw, C H Mitchell with a display of Morris Commercial trucks and vans, and Rippon Bros, of Huddersfield, who took along their Rolls Royce cars.

It was the second time that Huddersfield had hosted the show since its inception back in 1837, as a previous event had been held on what is now Longley Golf Club.

The Examiner devoted pages of coverage to the three-day event in 1931.

Reports talked of “the finest livestock, splendid floral groups and strong fancy sections”.

There were also reports and photographs of visits by civic dignitaries and business leaders and a somewhat controversial report about new methods of poultry breeding.

The Great Yorkshire Show was born in October 1837 when a group of leading agriculturalists, led by the third Earl Spencer, met at the Black Swan Hotel in Coney Street, York, to discuss the future of the farming industry.

The result was the decision to form an organisation – the Yorkshire Agricultural Society – whose aims were to improve and develop agriculture and hold an annual show of excellence.

The first Yorkshire Show was held in Fulford, York, in 1838. Attendance figures were not recorded until 1842 when the show was held in York and the figure was 6,044.

In the early years, in common with other shows, the Yorkshire was peripatetic. It was held in all the main centres of population – no fewer than 30 towns in the three ridings.

Then in 1950 the decision was taken to build a permanent showground.

The Harrogate site was purchased and its layout and excellent facilities quickly resulted in it becoming a role model for others.

This year’s event, which runs from today until Thursday will be a Royal occasion with The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall making a welcome return to England’s premier agricultural show.

Bill Cowling, Honorary Show Director said: “Our on line ticket sales are up on last year which, on top of record entries and our Royal visit is a super indicator that we’re going to have a great show”.

More than 130,000 visitors are expected over the three days and entry figures have hit an all-time high – with a total of 12,713 received across the competitive classes.

The Royal couple will be attending the 153rd Great Yorkshire Show tomorrow and will tour the showground, meeting livestock exhibitors, staff, stewards and visitors.