DESPITE showery skies, almost 15,000 visitors enjoyed a celebration of the British countryside featuring everything from cake contests to maypole dancers, trail boats to terrier racing.

The 11th Country Fest, at Crooklands, saw crowds wowed by airborne stunts from the Bolddog Lings freestyle motocross display team; the Fell Pony Society Display Team choreographed to music; and maypole dancing by the Rigney Bank Ballet School of Milnthorpe.

Festival organisers were "delighted" to host the Inland Waterways Association's National Trailboat Festival as part of the 200-year celebrations of the Lancaster Canal opening. Boating enthusiasts from across the country gathered on the Northern Reaches for an illuminated flotilla.

New for Country Fest 2019 was the floral design marquee. Primary school children were challenged to grow flowers, fruit and vegetables in a supermarket trolley, and Flookburgh Primary School won first prize.

The McClures food theatre was packed with festival-goers enjoying cookery shows from chefs including 2019 MasterChef winner Irini Tzortzoglou. Delicious food and drink was on sale in the food zone, and the WI marquee celebrated the theme of market day.

Traditional tea and cakes were a big hit in the vintage tea room, and Country Fest president Sam Rayner presented prizes in the cake baking competition, donated by Kendal's Aga Shop.

The young shepherd event attracted record entries in the Rare Breeds Survival Trust section, and visitors also enjoyed farming displays, pets' corner, poultry and rabbit shows and a kite festival.

The companion dog show and terrier show were well supported, with Westmorland Veterinary Group presenting winners' rosettes.

Further attractions included historic and classic motorcycles; an immaculately turned-out shire horse from Old Hall Farm, Bouth; and the sewing marquee, where young and old made hearts for Furness General Hospital's Special Baby Care Unit.

Christine Knipe, chief executive of Westmorland County Agricultural Society, said: “We are so proud to be celebrating 11 years of Country Fest.

"A huge thank you to all the visitors for coming and supporting the event and special thanks to all the exhibitors, display teams, traders, producers and our fantastic team of volunteers who all help to make this enjoyable family event what it is."

Country Fest 2020 will take place on May 30 and 31.