AMBLESIDE Sports will be held next Thursday, July 26.

The gates and car park will open at 10am with the Staveley-based Thunder Drummers performing at 11.45am before the brief opening ceremony at noon.

Events begin with the prestigious nine-mile Fairfield horseshoe fell race known as The Rydal Round.

This is followed by a full programme of traditional Lakeland sports - Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling which begins with a special competition for the local school children, plus grass track cycling and hound trails.

Following the popularity of fell running, fostered largely by the very successful Ambleside Running Club, there is great excitement among the younger runners with the introduction this year of an under 9s fell race.

In addition to track racing in the main arena, there are the immensely popular children’s races on their own special track, where every child who enters receives a rosette.

There will also be a free mini-mountain bike trail to give young riders a taste of the real thing.

Refreshments include a variety of food available in the outdoor food court as well as in the beer tent.

The craft marquee presents a range of unusual and attractive local gifts and there will also be trade stands, children’s rides, bouncy castles and with musical entertainment from both brass and a ukulele bands, the sports aims to provide something for all the family.

Ambleside Sports dates back to 1886 when Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee provided the initiative for a celebration of local sports.

More information online about the Sports and their background history at amblesidesports.co.uk.