Masham’s market square has always been the heart of the town, and it was a joy to see it filled with sheep, familiar faces and community spirit for Masham Sheep Fair on 26th and 27th September. Looking back on last month’s event, we’re reminded just how proud we are to be part of this much-loved local tradition.
For I’Anson Bros, it is a fixture with a special place in our calendar. Masham has been our home for 126 years, and supporting the people, farming traditions and community spirit around us has always mattered to our family business.
We have proudly sponsored and supported Masham Sheep Fair throughout its history, a commitment that spans generations. Chris I’Anson has presented prizes on the Saturday for the past 25 years, taking the baton from his father, Derek. Among those prizes is the I’Anson Cup, awarded to the Supreme Champion. Pictured below, father and son present this special award years apart - a lovely reflection of our enduring family connection to the fair.
A town with sheep in its story
Masham’s association with sheep runs deep. Historically, as many as 70,000 sheep were sold here each year. Today’s fair celebrates that remarkable trading heritage, bringing sheep and spectators back into the market square for a weekend of competition and good company.
The fair itself began more than 40 years ago, when Susan Cunliffe-Lister and a group of volunteers organised what was intended to be a single fundraising event for Sheep Aid, supporting farmers in Africa. That first fair raised £7,950. Since then, the event has raised around £265,000 for Yorkshire charities, with Yorkshire Air Ambulance now its main beneficiary. It remains entirely volunteer-run: a considerable achievement powered by local generosity and determination.
Masham Sheep Fair early 1900’s
Our thanks go to the organisers, volunteers, exhibitors and visitors who keep this much-loved tradition thriving.
After 126 years in Masham, we still have plenty to feel proud of on our doorstep. Sheep Fair weekend is a particularly woolly reminder.
If you would like to read more about our history, you can do so by clicking on this link to our book 'Against the Grain’ - printed on our 125th Anniversary.