THOUSANDS of people are expected to flock into Skipton on Sunday for Sheep Day.

Voted as one of the county’s top ten best quirkiest events, the free family day sets out to celebrate the origins of ‘Sheep Town’ by bringing the countryside into the heart of the town while at the same time celebrating the creativity and diversity Skipton has to offer.

It will feature family entertainment, spectacular demonstrations, live music, walkabout entertainment, farmyard animals, funfair rides, workshops, and dancing.

New this year will be a mini-music festival with live acts performing on a stage at the bottom of the closed High Street, while everyone will be encouraged to join in on a barn dance.

The internationally renowned “Sheep Show” will be back with its both hilarious and informative stage show about sheep and wool, and there will also be a petting zoo; birds of prey; the Nidderdale Llamas and Alpaca; an exotic zoo, Meerkats and Donkey rides.

Sheep Day will also take in Armed Forces Day, celebrated outside the town hall, including the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery – The Yorkshire Gunners; regimental displays; military vehicles; deactivated artillery; 5th Regiment Royal Artillery challenge and concluding with the flag lowering ceremony at 4pm.

Skipton Events and Tourism Manager, Kerry Wheelwright, said: “We are really excited about Skipton Sheep Day this year, it is always a great event but with the introduction of the new music stage and other more creatively diverse family workshops and activities it is set to be the best one yet.”

She added: “This really is a true family event with something for everyone, a real flavour of the countryside and a chance to celebrate Skipton’s heritage and culture. Fingers crossed the weather is kind to us.”

Skipton’s monthly Farmers Market will also take place at the canal basin selling locally sourced produce from across the Dales.

While, kicking off the event will be Kibble Bakery and Woof and Walk Skipton hosting a doggy aerobics session and charity dog walk.

Cabasa Carnival Arts will be there with their Butterfly Wings and mask making workshops, Incredible Edible will be there with their interactive blender bikes and planting workshops, Yorkshire Rotters will be doing live cooking demonstrations, The Woodland Trust will be doing interactive storytelling sessions and Skipton Library will be outside with an interactive coding workshop.

There will be a variety of demonstrations including drystone walling, spinning, weaving, rope making, Morris dancing, swing dancing and a food, drinks, arts and craft market that will be on the High Street too.

The event starts at 10am and runs through to 4.30pm. The High Street will be closed for the day, with diversions in place around the town centre. To ensure the event can go ahead safely, overnight parking will be suspended on Saturday night – and the road will be closed from around 5am Sunday morning.

Sheep Day is planned and organised by Skipton Town Council, with financial support from the Skipton Business Improvement District. Armed Forces Day entertainment has been organised with support from Craven District Council and the Royal British Legion Skipton Branch.