An historic Lakeland sports event that started in 1868 will return this year after a two-year Covid-enforced absence.

The Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show will be held on Bank Holiday Sunday, August 28 at The Showfield, on Stock Lane, Grasmere, and will feature traditional events as well as a brand-new Wheelbarrow Garden competition, with the show encouraging locals to plant up a floral wheelbarrow display and bring their barrow along, to contend for prizes.

The record of Fred Reeves has stood for 44 years in the seniors' race, and the ladies' record is also unbeaten for five years.

The show will also offer hound trails and allow on-the-day canine visitors, of all breeds, to have a go in the terrier racing ring, once the ‘Little Nippers’ terrier display has run.  

They can enter a dog show judged by a former Kennel Club judge and will include a prize for a child handler.

READ MORE: Popular festival will return to town this summer

 The child-friendly event will involve a sack, egg-and-spoon, track race and long-jump competition. 

A range of quirky children’s bicycles can be tried out as part of a Wonder Wheelers display, and the Fat Cat Brass Band, which debuted in 2019, will return with stilt walking drummers.

As always, the show will open with the atmospheric ringing of a bell by the Bellman and the playing of the national anthem.  

The show’s Sports and Field Manager Deborah Black, said: "We will be leaving no stone unturned in making this year’s show one of the best ever enjoyed on the field. 

"We wish to convey the essence of our unique and historic event to as many people as possible, welcoming back long and loyal supporters and saying 'hello' to new faces, experiencing this inimitable insight into Lakeland life for the very first time. 

"Who knows, we may even attract more foreign visitors. 

"We hope that everyone will take up the heavy early-bird discounts available and come along and join us on the day, and that various local businesses will exhibit their wares on a trade stall. 

"It’s time for us all to get back to the things we used to do and appreciate them all the more." To listen to the podcast and discover more about the event, head to https://bit.ly/3w8vwlQ