Where To See The Valais Blacknose Sheep Show And Sale In Yorkshire 2025

Ever seen a sheep so fluffy and cute it looks like a cuddly toy? Chances are it was a Valais Blacknose. And if you've ever wondered where you can see these adorable creatures up close, or even buy one, there's a massive event happening that you won't want to miss. Mark your calendars for Sunday, 31st August 2025, because the Northern Stars Valais Blacknose Show & Sale is coming to Thirsk. This isn't just any old get-together; it's the only dedicated show and sale for this special breed in the whole of Yorkshire, and it's all happening at the Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart for the very first time.

What's all the fuss about Valais Blacknose sheep?

So, what makes these sheep so special? Originally from the Valais region of Switzerland, the Valais Blacknose is famous for its looks. They have black faces, black ears, black knees, and fluffy white fleece that makes them look like they've just walked out of a cartoon.

But it's not just about their striking images; it's their personality that wins people over. They have a famously friendly nature, which is why they're becoming incredibly popular not just for farming but as pets.

At the upcoming show and sale, there will be a chance to buy them as companions. These are often castrated males who make perfect pets for families with a bit of land. They are gentle, curious, and known for being brilliant companions, making them a fantastic addition to any smallholding or rural home. The event in Thirsk is the perfect place to see this friendly nature for yourself.

A big day out in Thirsk for the 2025 show

The Northern Stars event on 31st August 2025 is shaping up to be a brilliant day out for everyone, from serious breeders to families just looking for something different to do. The whole thing kicks off at the Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart, a modern venue ready to host its first-ever pedigree sale of this kind. The day is split into two main parts: the show and the sale. The schedule looks something like this:

• Judging starts at 10.30am: This is where the experts check out all the sheep. It's a bit like a beauty pageant for sheep, where they are judged on their looks, wool, and how well they represent the Valais Blacknose breed.
• The auction begins at 1.30pm: After the champions have been chosen, the sale starts. This is the exciting part where people can bid on their favourite sheep.

This show and sale is a significant event for the Yorkshire rural calendar. It's a fantastic opportunity for people to see top-quality animals and learn more about what makes the Valais Blacknose sheep so unique. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just a curious visitor, the atmosphere at this Northern Stars event is bound to be buzzing.

More than just an auction

While the auction is the main event, there's plenty more happening to keep everyone entertained. One of the highlights is the Young Handlers class. This is a special part of the show designed to give the next generation of sheep enthusiasts a chance to get involved. And if you fancy your chances, there's a raffle with some properly unique prizes. It's all in aid of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), a charity that does brilliant work supporting farming families. You could win some amazing things, like a custom-made laser-cut sign, a yoga-with-sheep session (yes, really!), or a needle-felting course for two. It's a great way to support a good cause and maybe go home with something incredible.

What to expect at the big sale

When the sale kicks off in the afternoon, things get serious, but in a friendly way. The auction will feature 43 different consignments from some of the best flocks in the UK. 'Consignments' is just a fancy word for groups of sheep being sold by different breeders. So, there will be a lot of variety to choose from. On offer are some top-quality breeding animals, which are the sheep that farmers buy to improve their own flocks. This includes 11 rams that are ready to work and plenty of ewes (female sheep). The judging, led by the UK's Head Grader Jamie Wood, will determine which animals are the best of the best. Seeing the champions from the morning's show go under the hammer is a real highlight. For anyone who remembers the champions of the 2024 show, the standard is expected to be just as high for the 2025 event. The auctioneer will guide the bidding, and it's a fast-paced and exciting process to watch. Even if you're not planning to buy, watching a livestock auction is a fascinating experience.

A word from the auctioneer

The team at the mart is clearly excited to welcome the Northern Stars event. The main auctioneer at Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart, Ben Wilson, is looking forward to the day. He commented:

"Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart are delighted to have been asked to conduct the 2025 Northern Stars Show & Sale of Valais Blacknose sheep. Here at Thirsk we pride ourselves on ensuring all shows and sales are conducted to the highest professional standards, at our modern facilities. Our auctioneers and staff look forward to welcoming our first pedigree show and sale here to Thirsk. The Northern Stars event is a highlight in the 2025 calendar, and we hope to conduct this show and sale for many years to come."

The professional facilities and experienced team of auctioneers will make sure the day runs smoothly. For those interested in the consignments, the show catalogue is already available.

It's set to be a landmark event for Thirsk and the Valais Blacknose community.