KEIGHLEY Show enjoyed a bumper year.

A profit of just over £3,000 helped offset losses incurred in 2016 when bad weather hit attendance figures.

Chairman William Mitchell told the annual general meeting of Keighley & District Agricultural Show Society that the success of the 2017 event meant members could “look forward with confidence” to this year’s showpiece.

He added: “I would like to thank all those involved for their continued hard work – not only for the efforts put in to ensure that show day was a success, but also for the work that went into additional fundraising throughout the year to help offset the cost of staging such an important annual event in the Keighley calendar.”

Mr Mitchell also paid tribute to Keighley Town Council for its £5,000 sponsorship, which had helped cover infrastructure costs on the day.

Retiring president David Gallagher said it had been a “fantastic” year and he praised everybody for their support.

“I was privileged to be asked to be president,” he added.

“Myself and my family thoroughly enjoyed seeing all aspects of the show – and the glorious weather added to the enjoyment.”

He was presented with a photograph album as a memento of the day.

The show featured a huge range of family attractions.

There were all the usual classes associated with traditional agricultural shows, such as cattle, sheep and horses.

But also an array of stalls, entertainers and performers, from a motorbike stunt show and sheep roadshow to a pipe band and birds of prey.

The newly-appointed president is Mrs Katrina Thackray.

She served as assistant show secretary from 1982, taking over as secretary six years later when the event relocated from Victoria Park to Marley.

Mrs Thackray took a break after the 1996 show but returned to the role in 2009 for a further seven-year stint.

She said: “I know from first-hand experience how much hard work everyone puts into the show itself and throughout the year with the planning and preparations.

“I wish to thank all our committee, helpers, sponsors, advertisers, exhibitors and visitors, without whom there would not be a show.

“Each year we take on board any feedback in order to implement changes that will hopefully make the next show even more successful.

“We will, of course, also use the old fashioned tradition of keeping our fingers crossed for good weather!”

It was agreed that admission prices for this year’s show – on Saturday, September 1 – should remain unchanged for the fifth year running, at £8 for adults and £5 concessions. Savings will be available on tickets bought in advance.

There will be free parking.

The society has a range of sponsorship opportunities available, for anything from £20 to more than £1,000, which offer various benefits.

Anyone interested should visit keighleyshow.co.uk, e-mail secretary@keighleyshow.co.uk or call 07704 766010 for more details.

Organisers are also keen to hear from any volunteers who may wish to join the management committee or help on show day.

Any businesses interested in having a trade stand should visit the website, e-mail tradestands@keighley.show.co.uk or call 07916 434088.

Officials re-elected at the meeting included chairman Mr Mitchell, secretary Abby Marsh and treasurer Will Twigg.