You'll never run out of things to do in Masham. As well as exploring the town and surrounding countryside, remember our two weekly markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays - a weekly market has been held here since 1393!

Masham boasts not just one, but two breweries, both making real ales in the traditional way. The Black Sheep Brewery and Theakstons Brewery both have excellent visitor centres and brewery tours.

See the Museum of brewing and barrel making demonstrations at Theakstons, and the excellent Bistro at Black Sheep. Both offer their own range of brewery merchandise, and samples of their products are included in the tour ticket.

If you just want to sample the goods, they both have a bar too! Booking is advisable for tours.

There are numerous extra events throughout the year. Here's a list of the regulars - see our What's On page for details of this year's dates.

Masham Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally - the third full weekend of July. A traditional Steam Rally celebrating the finest of this countrys engineering and agricultural heritage.

Traction engines, showmans engines, general purpose engines, steam wagons, rollers, tractors, heavy haulage locos, and miniature steam engines.

Fair and Street Organs feature prominently in the event , including the famous Munich Octoberfest Concert Organ. This is the world's largest travelling organ and it will be accompanied by a group of talented young Can-Can dancers.

New for this year is a Marquee housing 'Tastes of the Dales'. a celebration of the wonderful foods etc. produced in this area. Here you will be able to sample and enjoy the fine products and purchase the unresistable. There is also a large craft/model marquee, housing fine examples of model engineering and excellent crafts.

Masham Sheep Fair - end of September. Masham boasts one of the largest and finest market squares in England, which was famous for sheep sales in byegone days sometimes with as many as 70,000 sheep being sold every year. The popular Sheep Fair commemorates these times, whist raising much money for charity, and filling the town with sheepy fun and entertainment. Judging, events, exhibitions - everything and anything to do with sheep!

Yorkshire Festival of Ales - end of July, Fearby. The Black Swan Pub at Fearby, just 1¹/2 miles from Masham, holds an annual Festival of Ales with a huge range of British ales, food and entertainment. In 2005 more than 25 ales were available, and plans are well advanced for this yer's repeat festival.

Festival of Horses - end of May, Ilton. A festival celebrating horses, including demonstrations in natural horsemanship by Sarah Kreutzer, founder of Learning to Listen and an internationally respected horsewoman who strives to create relationships based on care, trust and understanding.

Mashamshire Festival of Arts - end of October: a biennial festival held on odd years. The events are a delightfully eclectic mix, ranging from kite making workshops to lecture lectures on art. Half of the events are free - so it's well worth finding out what's on!

Victorian Market - early December. This ever-popular market goes from strength to strength, featuring gifts, fine food and produce and lots of seasonal good cheer. Come along and catch up on your Christmas shopping - and join in the torchlight procession as the town joins together to sing carols.