Masham Sheep Fair
Sheep Shows, Fleece Auctions, and Countryside Traditions.

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Posted on 21st August 2026

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Celebrating centuries of Dales farming heritage and rural crafts, the famous Masham Sheep Fair returns to the historic market town on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September 2026. Filling the sprawling cobbles of Masham Market Place, this beloved autumn weekend raises thousands of pounds for local Yorkshire charities while honoring the region's agricultural roots.

Masham has a long history as a livestock hub, once hosting trading markets for over 80,000 sheep at a time. Today, the Sheep Fair keeps those traditions vibrant. Organized by dedicated local volunteers, the festival showcases purebred sheep judging, wool spinning demonstrations, sheepdog trials, Morris dancing, and traditional brass bands surrounding the town's famous market square.

What to Expect Across the Weekend 🐑🌾

The festival offers something for every age, combining livestock judging with family entertainment, local produce stalls, and country crafts:

• Livestock Judging & Breeds: Watch rare and native breeds—including Wensleydales, Swaledales, Dalesbred, and Masham sheep—compete in showing rings directly on the cobbles.
• Fleece Auctions & Wool Craft: Bid for champion fleeces, marvel at hand-spinning exhibitions, and browse handmade woollen garments, rugs, and crafts.
• Sheepdog Demonstrations: Admire working sheepdogs and their handlers displaying precision maneuvering and duck herding in the main arena.
• Farmers' Market & Craft Stalls: Sample regional cheeses, chutneys, artisan baking, local ales, and handcrafted gifts lined up throughout the town.
• Entertainment & Tours: Enjoy live brass bands, Morris dancers, children's games, and tours of Masham's world-renowned breweries—Black Sheep Brewery and Theakston Brewery.

Photo Gallery

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Plan Your Visit 📅

Essential visitor details for Masham Sheep Fair 2026:

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Admission & Booking

FREE ENTRY

The Sheep Fair is completely free to attend for all spectators! Official programmes and raffle tickets are sold throughout the square to raise funds for local Yorkshire charities.

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2026 Event Timings

Saturday 26th – Sunday 27th September 2026
• Main arena events and showing classes run daily from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

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Dog Friendly

Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome in the outdoor market square and arena areas (keep clear of working livestock rings).

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Local Dining & Ale

Explore historic pubs around the square or visit the brewery visitor centres at Black Sheep and Theakston for hot meals and fresh Yorkshire pints.

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Visitor Tip

Arrive early in the morning to catch the livestock judging classes in the main pens before the afternoon market crowds build up!

Getting There 🗺️

📍 Event Location:

Masham Market Place, Masham, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 4DZ

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🚗 Driving & Parking

Masham is situated just off the A6108 between Ripon and Leyburn. Dedicated event parking fields are clearly signposted on the approach roads into town, with a small parking fee supporting local charitable causes.

🚌 Public Transport

Local DalesBus and bus connections operate from nearby hubs including Ripon, Bedale, and Northallerton (nearest railway station).