Thousands flock to Bishop Burton College for Spring Live

FAMILY FUN: Visitors enjoying Spring Live at Bishop Burton College

By Rick Lyon

Bishop Burton College welcomed more than 4,500 visitors to its Spring Live family fun day.

The event was launched last year to build on the college’s hugely successful Lambing Sunday event, which was a firm favourite at Bishop Burton for many years.

Spring Live 2023 had something on offer for all ages, from demonstrations of the college’s precision agriculture robotics and technologies, to mini-tractor driving, handling snakes and stick insects, and riding mechanical horses Bertie and Horatio.

TOP TALENT: Kat Pickering in action

Beki Hoyle, from Selby, who attended in 2022, said: “We had such a great time last year we had to come back again – it’s brilliant! My son has had a fantastic time having a go at archery, bricklaying, and slime-making.”

Visitors were also treated to an exciting programme of entertainment in the Bishop Burton Arena. Professional stunt rider Kat Pickering headlined with an awe-inspiring performance.

Kat, who has performed all over the world in live stunt shows and in productions including Wonder Woman 1984, Peaky Blinders and House of the Dragon, wowed the audience with an amazing display of trick riding, art of liberty and bridleless riding. 

Equine students had the audience cheering with a high-energy showjumping relay competition, and father and son singers Una Voce treated onlookers to some classical cross-over numbers. 

Corin, 11, from Beverley, said: “I’ve had a great time. I’ve had a go at virtual welding and tractor driving.

“The stunt rider was amazing, I can’t believe she was riding upside down!”

The main attraction, however; were the lambs in the Lambing Shed. Some were only hours old, having been born on the morning of the event, and several visitors got to witness the live birth of triplets.

STICKY SITUATION: Children had a great time at Spring Live

For those who wanted to grab some local produce and indulge in a little retail therapy, a number of trade stands were also selling a range of products for visitors to enjoy. 

Bishop Burton College Principal and Chief Executive Bill Meredith said: “Spring Live is a fantastic occasion and it’s wonderful to be able to welcome the community onto campus again, to showcase all that is great about Bishop Burton College.

“It’s been a splendid day, packed full of fun, laughter, and excitement, and I can see how much visitors have enjoyed themselves by the smiles on their faces.”