ONE of south Cumbria’s most popular agricultural shows will celebrate its 175th anniversary in a new location this year.

Organisers of the North Lonsdale Show, which is the traditional curtain raiser for the area’s show season, were forced to look for a new site after its Bardsea showfield was split up and sold last summer.

But a new home has been found at Great Urswick, next to the primary school and recreation hall, and the show will take place on July 31.

Secretary Margaret Coward said: “The land was sold the week before the 2012 show, but there was a stipulation built into the contract that it had to go ahead.

“It was split between different people, with the main showfield split in half. A few of the new owners said they would help but in the end it was not possible to stay there.

“Luckily one of the committee members has land at Urswick which we are able to use – and it’s actually worked out quite well because the land is a lot flatter which means it is more family-friendly.”

She said that everyone involved in the summer show was in full preparation mode and feeling positive.

“We are down there cutting hedges and sorting things out,” she said.

“The move has made the committee pull together even more than before.

“We are hoping to arrange a fun day in May to let people see where it will be.”

Mrs Coward also said it was hoped a dog show held last year, inspired by Ulverston teenager Alice Pyne, who lost her battle against cancer this month, would return.

“Alice loved dogs so hopefully it will still go ahead. People really enjoyed the dog show because it was quite relaxed and not run by strict rules.”

The cattle championship will continue, with a £100 prize for the supreme champion, and there is £50 for the top sheep.

Other attractions will include birds of prey, a rural crafts marquee and trade stands.

To find out more, visit www.northlonsdale-show.com or call 01229-467315.