Malton Show’s future secured after Amotherby-based BATA deal

Malton Show was an annual fixture in the North Yorkshire agricultural calendar since the 1870s, but its committee had to make the difficult decision to cancel the 2026 show.

However, the immediate future of the historic Malton Show has now been secured after Amotherby-based, farmer cooperative BATA (Brandsby Agricultural Trading Association Limited), answered the call for support.

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The popular event, which features livestock, vintage machinery and sheep dog trials among other attractions, is run completely by volunteers.

Traditionally held on the last weekend in June, the show has faced increasing challenges due to volunteers retiring, growing legislation and compliance matters and increasing operational costs to put the show on.

The show is run by the trustees of a charitable organisation, supported by a number of volunteers who help to bring the event together. Funding is provided by several regular sponsors, entry fees and ticket revenue from visitors.

The headline sponsor support from BATA is a commitment of £10,000 per year for the next three years promises to breathe new life into the historic event and will see them become the show’s headline sponsor. BATA will also provide logistical and marketing support for the committee.

Charlie Breese, trustee of the Malton Show charity said: “The support BATA are offering to Malton Show comes at a critical time, is invaluable and will help us to overcome a number of challenges faced by the show.

“Securing this vital sponsorship enables us to recruit a replacement for our retiring secretary, as well as take a new look approach to how the show runs and how it is managed in the future.”

Stephen Greenfield, Chairman of BATA said: “As an organisation rooted in the local agricultural community, we are pleased to commit to on-going sponsorship over the next 3 years and to be able to provide support for the committee and volunteers that make the Malton Show so special.

“We look forward to working with the Malton Show team, old and new and to helping to ensure this much loved event is once again a major feature of the local community summer calendar.”

BATA, based in Amotherby was established in 1894, as a farmer’s cooperative and retains this structure today. Currently, there are more than 3,000 share members with a share ownership of more than £6 million. Profits from its business activities are distributed to members as interest, used to fund future investment and distributed to community and charitable causes in the areas where it operates.

The business offers a wide range of agricultural products and services along with petrol stations with convenience stores in Helmsley and Gate Helmsley and 10 BATA country stores.

The Malton Agricultural Society was formed in 1833, and the first recorded summer show or exhibition was held in the early 1870s.

In 1998, because of the lack of space at the Show Field Lane site in Malton, the show moved to Scampston Park.

Anyone keen to get involved with the show committee is asked to make contact using the show email: office@maltonshow.org

For more information go to www.maltonshow.com/