KEIGHLEY Show last year made a profit of about £4,000.

The figure was revealed at the annual general meeting of Keighley & District Agricultural Show Society, which organises the annual event.

Despite mixed weather, crowds turned out in force for the extravaganza – held as usual on the first Saturday in September at Marley playing fields.

There was a wide range of attractions across the showground.

Traditional agricultural-show classes were on offer, including cattle, sheep and horses, plus showjumping.

There was also a large poultry, bantam, waterfowl and eggs section, as well as horticulture, handicrafts, arts and crafts, and produce. A small-animal category included rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets, plus there was a fun dog show.

There was a record number of entries in the cattle category, including some dairy animals making a return after several years’ absence.

And the poultry section also saw unprecedented numbers, so much so that an 11th-hour extension had to be created within the marquee to accommodate all the cages.

There were more than 70 stalls and trade stands and an array of vintage vehicles, and a packed programme of entertainment was provided.

The AGM heard that although the show did make “a modest profit”, the cost of staging the event each year was more than £40,000 and the society needed support in the form of fundraising, sponsorship and donations.

This year’s show, subject to any restrictions in place at the time, is scheduled to take place on September 5.

Chairman William Mitchell thanked everyone for their “continued hard work” which had made the 2019 event successful, and he voiced particular thanks to the volunteers who had helped with setting-up at the showground in the week leading up to the event.

“This is an area where we are desperately short in numbers and more people are needed,” he said.

He also thanked Keighley Town Council for its “generous and invaluable” sponsorship and everybody who had helped with and supported fundraising events, which he said were an essential part of ensuring the show’s future.

Retiring president Mike Cunningham said it had been “a tremendous honour” to serve in the role.

He added: “I actually saw the whole show for the first time – having always previously been ‘tied up’ in the horticultural tent!

“It was very enjoyable seeing the wide range of activities and being able to put names to faces in the various sections.”

He was presented with a photograph album, by Mr Mitchell, as a memento of the day.

The newly-appointed president for this year is Andrew Wood, who has been community fundraising manager at Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands for the past 13 years.

He said: “I’m honoured to have been asked to follow a long line of excellent past presidents and will endeavour to meet the society’s expectations during my year in office.

“I recall helping the Young Farmers set-up the livestock section when the show used to be held in Victoria Park in the 1980s.

“In recent decades I have been to the show every year, either as a member or club leader of Worth Valley Young Farmers or helping set-up the Manorlands stall – which raised over £1,100 in 2019.

“I’m hoping that by the time of the show in September, coronavirus will be behind us so that the whole town can get out and celebrate at this great local event.”

Officials re-elected included chairman Mr Mitchell, secretary Abby Marsh and treasurer Will Twigg. The secretary will standing down after this year’s show and anyone interested in being considered for a revised role of show administrator – or wishing to volunteer with the event, particularly in the week up to show day – is asked to get in touch. Visit keighleyshow.co.uk, e-mail secretary@keighleyshow.co.uk or call 07704 766010.