Great Yorkshire Show's Cheese Auction Raises £50,000 for Charity Over a Decade

The Great Yorkshire Show has reached an impressive milestone, raising over £50,000 for charitable causes through its much-loved cheese auction. The event, a staple of North Yorkshire's summer calendar, continues to garner support from cheese enthusiasts, with proceeds benefiting a variety of charities.

This year's auction alone contributed £8,530 to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), a charity dedicated to offering financial, practical, and emotional support to farming communities.

A tradition of giving

For over a decade, the cheese auction at the Great Yorkshire Show has been a highlight for attendees. After the competitive judging of cheese and dairy products, visitors are given the opportunity to bid on rounds of their favourite cheeses.

The excitement and goodwill generated by the auction have resulted in significant donations to various charities, with RABI being the latest recipient.

Support for farming communities

RABI, the chosen beneficiary this year, provides vital support to farming families across the UK. The charity's mission is to address the specific needs of those within the agricultural sector, offering personalised assistance ranging from financial aid to emotional support.

The funds raised at this year's auction will further RABI's ability to provide crucial services, ensuring that help is available whenever it's needed.

Past beneficiaries

Over the years, the cheese auction has supported a wide range of charities. Previous recipients include Herriot Hospice Homecare, The Samaritan’s Regional Rural Initiative, Addington Fund, and Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Each of these organisations plays a key role in supporting rural communities, reflecting the auction's commitment to making a positive impact where it's needed most.

A community effort

Rachel Coates, the Show Director, expressed her gratitude to the attendees of the Great Yorkshire Show for their continued generosity.

"A huge thank you to Great Yorkshire Show visitors for generously supporting the cheese auction, this year and over the last 12 years, raising an incredible amount for great causes that are so important to farming families."

Caroline Bell, Chief Steward of the Great Yorkshire Show’s cheese and dairy section, echoed these sentiments.

"The cheese auction is always a highlight of the Great Yorkshire Show’s cheese and dairy Section, and it really is our visitors who make it such a big success."

Looking ahead

The success of this year's event has already set the stage for next year's show, which is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, July 8 to Friday, July 11, 2025. Tickets will go on sale in November, promising another opportunity for visitors to contribute to the community while enjoying some of the finest cheeses.

With over £8,500 raised this year alone, the cheese auction at the Great Yorkshire Show continues to be a testament to the generosity and community spirit of North Yorkshire, ensuring that important causes receive the support they need.