VOTED one of the UK’s favourite agricultural shows, and runner up Tourism Event of the Year in 2013, the Westmorland County Agricultural Society annual show is one of the largest one day shows in the country, attracting around 30,000 visitors.

“We are delighted to be welcoming back TV chef Phil Vickery, who enjoyed it so much last year,” said show organiser Christine Knipe.

“He will headline the demonstrations in the enlarged Food Theatre, which again will be in its own marquee.

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“Phil said he was particularly inspired by our Farm to Fork area, where young chefs can learn about the importance of creating dishes using the best British seasonal and local produce.”

This important date on the annual calendar is aimed at the whole family, with something for all ages with show jumping, hounds and terriers, alpacas and demonstrations of rural crafts, where people are actively encouraged to have a go.

“We pride ourselves on being a major livestock show, with record entries of over 3,500 entries across livestock this year and an impressive £40,000 in prizes,” said Mrs Knipe. “For horse lovers, there’s show jumping throughout the day, carriage driving, ridden classes, the impressive heavy horses, and we have a brand new speed show jumping competition in the afternoon, which is guaranteed to have people glued to theieseats.”

Held on the County Showground at Crooklands in between Milnthorpe and Kendal, the Westmorland County Show has provided a gathering for farmers, food producers, artisans and craftspeople to meet and show their livestock and wares since the Society was established way back in 1799.

“We have expanded the Food Hall, yet again, to include more stalls full of local produce,” said Mrs Knipe. “It’s become a mecca for food lovers and we have extended the range on offer including traditional lamb, beef, pork and poultry, fish, game, cheeses, ice cream, cakes, pastries and tray bakes.

“We are also supporting the Herdwick Project and this is the day to celebrate and see everything that makes our region so special and unique.”

People come from far and wide to view the pristinely turned out livestock and to discover more about rare breeds.

Sections include cattle, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, heavy horses, alpacas, dogs and poultry. 
The Zwartbles Northern Branch is making a welcome return with their Show in the sheep section, which also includes brand new classes for Kerry Hill and Badger Face Torddu while the cattle section includes Belted Galloways for the first time.

 
Back by popular demand, the Sheep Show returns to entertain and educate visitors about the history of sheep in Cumbria, a truly entertaining show complete with dancing sheep.

 
The entries for Young Handlers are strong again this year and it’s always a delight to see the farmers of the future showing their animals with such professionalism and pride. Matthew Benson, aged 6, will be exhibiting his sheep, having done exceptionally well at other shows during the season.