THE future of a popular village show is in doubt unless new volunteers come forward to help with its organisation.

The annual Bramhope Show has been an integral part of village life since 1945 but this year’s show - scheduled for Sunday, September 8 - may not go ahead unless more volunteers can be found to help with planning and organisation.

Ilkley Gazette: Fruit and veg classes at Bramhope Show Fruit and veg classes at Bramhope Show (Image: submitted)

The Bramhope show committee has dwindled from 14 to six over recent years, and attempts to recruit new members to the committee over the past couple of years have not been successful, although extra valuable helpers on the day of the show have been gained. Without more volunteers, the committee will be unable to organise this year’s show.

Now another appeal has gone out for any village resident would like to get involved, to come forward.

The committee meet initially once a month planning the show. This is then followed up with actions for the volunteers to carry out and report back each month, organising stalls, competitions, sponsors, entertainment, the show programme, getting the show ready for its big day.

Ilkley Gazette: A karate challenge with Blades Martial Arts at Bramhope Show A karate challenge with Blades Martial Arts at Bramhope Show (Image: submitted)

Rachel Dunn, chair of the show committee in past years, said there was a well-tried process for organising the show, but some additional shoulders to the wheel were needed to make it happen.

Volunteers have a lot of fun, she said, adding the sheer pleasure that is so obvious on the day makes it all worthwhile.

“The show with its enjoyable mix of competitions, stalls, entertainment and food and drink is hugely popular," said Rachel. "Entries and visitor numbers have gone up every year since the show restarted after lockdown. Last year was an all-time record for attendance and money raised for the Village Hall.

"But running a successful show needs a team. Numbers on the Show Committee have dwindled in recent years and we just don’t have enough people to help plan and organise the event. I have put out appeals in the Village Newsletter and on social media, but unless more volunteers come forward we will sadly have to cancel the Show.

"Organising the show isn’t hard or very time consuming. We have a well tried process, we just need some more shoulders to the wheel to make it happen. It’s fun and the sheer pleasure so obvious on the day makes it worthwhile.”

If you would like to get involved, please contact bramhopeshow@outlook.com.