PENRITH AGRICULTURAL SHOW
BROUGHAM HALL FARM, PENRITH
Sat Jul 20
Whilst retaining tradition with a genuine agricultural emphasis, the show has gathered much momentum in recent years enabling rural and urban communities to come together in friendly competition in a wide spectrum of farming and rural classes. With trade stands, food hall, rural crafts marquee and tremendous variety in the main ring it always delivers an entertaining day out for visitors.
penrithshow.co.uk
CONISTON COUNTRY FAIR
CONISTON HALL, HAWS BANK
Sun Jul 21
Set on the shore of Coniston Water, a traditional Lakeland Show with Cumbrian sports, including a fell race that takes runners from the show field to the top of Coniston Old Man and back in under an hour leaving time to see dry stone walling, terrier racing and to sample some tasty refreshments.
conistoncountryfair.co.uk
AMBLESIDE SPORTS
RYDAL SHOWFIELD, RYDAL PARK
Thu Jul 25
With a focus on traditional sports rather than livestock, Ambleside Sports is a quirky country show. Competitions are held throughout the day in various disciplines, including hound trailing, fell running, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, track racing and cycling. Children are encouraged to enter, with categories for various ages and additional fun races for younger children. There is also a large trade area, fairground rides, a circus skills workshop, live music, a climbing wall and bar and food court.
amblesidesports.co.uk
ULVERSTON AND NORTH LONSDALE AGRICULTURAL SHOW
LONGRIGG FARM, URSWICK
Wed Jul 31
Along with more traditional aspects of agricultural shows such as livestock judging, there are plenty of hands-on experiences for all ages, including a mini petting zoo and children’s zone. Cookery demonstrations take place in the food hall where there are local goods to try and buy. Live entertainment with comedy and music too.
facebook.com/Ulverston-and-north-lonsdale-show
COCKERMOUTH SHOW
THE FITZ, LOW ROAD
Sat Aug 3
View cattle, sheep, goats, horses, poultry, sheep dogs, foxhounds and terriers, visit the sheep clipping demonstration and maybe try your hand at a new skill. There is wrestling for the fit and entertainment for those who wish to just watch. If you are in the market for some machinery, old and new, it is also at the show, which is organised by Cockermouth & District Agricultural Society.
cockermouthshow.co.uk
CARTMEL SHOW
CARTMEL PARK
Wed Aug 7 3rd August
Cartmel is famous for horse-racing, so it’s unsurprising that horses are a prominent feature with showjumping, carriage driving and numerous classes for horse judging. There is livestock judging for other breeds, a dog show, a mounted (on horseback) fancy dress parade, and, of course, wrestling. Entertainment for children, food and craft stalls and visitors can learn a bit of dancing, weaving or stone masonry.
cartmelagriculturalsociety.org.uk
LAKE DISTRICT SHEEPDOG TRIALS
HILL FARM, INGS
Thu Aug 8
Bring on the dogs! Open sheep dog trials, hound trails, dog shows – and bar.
ingsvillage.org.uk
APPLEBY AGRICULTURAL SHOW
HANGING SHAW FIELDS, LONG MARTON ROAD
Thu Aug 8
Appleby Agricultural Show has a wide variety of classes for sheep, cattle, poultry, vintage machinery, dogs, children’s pets, produce, handicrafts and horticultural exhibitors. Equestrian classes include veterans, Fells, Dales, pony riding, mountain and moorland, sports horse including racehorse, working hunter and handy pony class and concours d'elegance, plus main ring events.
appleby-show.co.uk
BROUGH AGRICULTURAL SHOW
POPPING LANE, KABER
Thu Aug 15
Prizes are awarded for classes in Fell, Dales, Shetland and coloured ponies, children's and veteran riding classes, driving classes, marathon drive and obstacle course, mounted fancy dress and gymkhana, vegetables and flowers, floral art, confectionery, handicraft, photography, livestock and pets and vintage cars.
brough-show.org.uk
RYDAL SHEEPDOG TRIALS AND HOUND SHOW
RYDAL PARK
Thu Aug 15
Smaller than many of the other agricultural shows, the Rydal Sheepdog and Hound Show takes a more traditional approach with sheepdog trials being the main focus, accompanied by a judging competition for hounds and annual shepherds’ crooks and sticks competition. Trade stalls, hot food and a licensed bar.
rydalshow.co.uk
GOSFORTH SHOW
GOSFORTH SHOWFIELD
Sat Aug 17
This small village in West Cumbria sees hundreds of visitors return each year to this quirky event where you can see dancing and racing sheep. Along with livestock competitions, there are showjumping demonstrations, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, sporting events for children, a tug-of-war battle, live music and plenty of trade stands selling a variety of goods and food.
gosforthshow.co.uk
RUSLAND SHOW
WHITESTOCK MEADOW, RUSLAND VALLEY
Sat Aug 17
The marquees are filled with exhibits of horticulture, home produce, handicrafts, photography and film. On the sports field there are fell races, track races plus many other events such as egg throwing and tug-of-war. Children’s competitions include fancy dress and pets plus lots of other activities for all, including craft and local interest stalls, catering and beer tents.
ruslandshow.org
LAKELAND COUNTRY FAIR
TORVER, NEAR CONISTON
Sun Aug 18
Lakeland Country Fair is a showcase for traditional Cumbrian skills and activities with sheep displays and hand-clipping demonstrations, Fell pony display, a terrier show, terrier racing, a lurcher and whippet show, family dog show, wrestling, horn blowing, children’s sports challenge, a stick show, foxhound show and Coniston Fire Brigade.
lakelandcountryfair.co.uk
HAWKSHEAD SHOW
HAWKSHEAD HALL FARM
Tue Aug 20
Set in the Vale of Esthwaite famous for William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, the show field is situated half a mile north of this quaint village. A full day of judging – horses, driving (horse and small carriage) and horse jumping classes, sheep, dogs and cattle – with home produce, flowers vegetables, arts and crafts to look at, taste and buy.
hawksheadshow.co.uk
BLACKNOSE BEAUTIES
BORDERWAY MART, ROSEHILL
Fri Aug 23-Sat Aug 24
Showcasing the very best of the renowned Swiss breed, this promises to be a spectacular event which the society has formed by combining elements from elite Swiss shows such as Miss Visp and Widdermarkt, which are known to attract visitors in their thousands. Alongside the show and sale, as part of the Blacknose Beauties event, there will be a grand parade of the Valais Blacknose sheep.
valaisblacknosesociety.co.uk
PATTERDALE DOG DAY
PATTERDALE
Sat Aug 24
This small show is centred around an open sheep dog trials competition with many other attractions to keep you entertained throughout the day.
patterdaledogday.com
RAVENSTONEDALE AGRICULTURAL SHOW
HIGH LANE FARM, NEWBIGGIN-ON-LUNE
Sat Aug 24
This event attracts not only sheep judging and other farming related activities but also a wealth of exhibitions and competitions involving crafts, art, baking and more. Large industrial marquee, children's sports, vintage tractors and vehicles, dry stall walling competition and rural craft tent.
facebook.com/RavenstonedaleAgriculturalShow
GRASMERE SPORTS
THE SHOWFIELD, STOCK LANE
Sun Aug 25
Grasmere Sports primarily features sporting events but has many other aspects such as hound trails and sheepdog demonstrations. Livestock judging is replaced with a selection of sporting activities such as track racing, tug-of-war, mountain bike racing and fell running, with different categories for children and adults. The first Grasmere Sports took place over 150 years ago when shepherds and farm workers attending the local sheep fair attempted to demonstrate their skills through wrestling and running. In addition to the sporting activities, there is live music and market stalls.
grasmeresports.com
BLACK COMBE COUNTRY FAIR
BOOTLE
Mon Aug 26
This is a popular event that attracts visitors to the picturesque Eskdale valley to enjoy dog show classes as well as dog racing, a fell race, a vintage vehicle display and fell pony rides. There are activities for children, as well as trade stands, food stalls and a beer tent.
blackcombecountryfair.co.uk
KESWICK SHOW
PUMP FIELD, BRAITHWAITE OLD BRIDGE
Mon Aug 26
A full day’s entertainment for all the family with animal show classes, vintage vehicles and machinery, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, including a ladies’ all weights championship. Cockermouth Mechanics Brass Band will entertain throughout the afternoon with a varied programme of music.
keswickshow.co.uk
ENNERDALE SHOW
KIRKLAND LEAPS, KIRKLAND, FRIZINGTON
Wed Aug 28
Traditional sports and farming activities take place all day. Vintage machinery reminds us of the rural scene not that long ago, and the sport of hound trailing is still well supported in West Cumbria, with four races throughout the afternoon (punters can have a flutter with the local bookmakers who will be on the field). Amusements areas and refreshments to suit all tastes, from locally brewed ale to wholesome Cumbrian food and ice cream, make it an enjoyable day out. The show involves the local school and benefits greatly from the wider community.
ennerdaleshow.co.uk
CROSBY RAVENSWORTH AGRICULTURAL SHOW
LOW BOTTOM, MAULDS MEABURN
Thu Aug 29
Agricultural show with classes for horticulture, industrial and children's classes, sheep, poultry, horses and ponies, vintage tractors and machinery.
facebook.com/crosbyravensworthshow
MILLOM AND BROUGHTON SHOW
BROUGHTON-IN-FURNESS
Sat Aug 31
The Millom and Broughton Agricultural Show has a long and rich history and is one of the highlights of the seasonal calendar in the local area. Always providing a fun day out for families from far and wide, it shines a light on rural life and the skills, energy and enthusiasm of the local community.
millomandbroughtonshow.com
DUFTON AGRICULTURAL SHOW AND SHEEPDOG TRIALS
DUFTON
Sat Aug 31
Dufton Agricultural Show – ‘the Fellside Royal’ – was established in 1864 and has been an integral part of the calendar ever since. Packed with fun activities and a lively atmosphere, the show is a real family occasion.
duftonshow.co.uk
HESKET NEWMARKET SHOW
CALDBECK
Sat Aug 31
A great day out for the whole family, Hesket Newmarket Show is a traditional agricultural show which aims to celebrate the finest of agricultural traditions with top class livestock, horse and dog sections.
caldbeckvillage.co.uk
LOWESWATER SHOW
LOWESWATER
Sun Sep 1
Hound trails, wrestling (all ages, weights and sexes welcome), carriage driving, Cockermouth Mechanics Band, sheep dog trials and races for children, youths, men and women.
loweswatershow.com
ALSTON AGRICULTURAL SHOW
ALSTON
Sat Sep 7
Sheep, cattle and dog sections, industrial tent, licensed bar, refreshments, children's rides and races, stock judging competition, trade stands, tug o' war and terrier racing.
facebook.com/AlstonAgriculturalSociety
LOWICK AND DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SHOW
NR LOWICK BRIDGE
Sat Sep 7
For over 150 years the communities along and around the Crake Valley have celebrated annually in display and competition the fruits of their labour. Experience classes for livestock, horses, home produce and other traditional Cumbrian pursuits and enjoy local crafts, entertainment and fun for all the family.
lowick.org.uk
WESTMORLAND COUNTY SHOW
WESTMORLAND COUNTY SHOWGROUND, CROOKLANDS
Wed Sep 11 & Thu Sep 12
A major livestock show with classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, alpacas, heavy and light horses. Meet the foxhounds, get up close to magnificent cattle, marvel at the show jumping, discover the interactive displays in the Learning for Life Marquee, get inspired by the WI’s crafty creations or cheer on your favourites in the Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling. Be tempted by local, artisan chocolates, cheeses, pies, gins, breads and bakes in the Cumbria Life Food Hall and see chefs in action in the Cumbria Life Food Theatre.
westmorlandshow.co.uk
EGREMONT CRAB FAIR
EGREMONT
Fri Sep 20 Sep-Sun Sep 22
Egremont Crab Fair and Sports was established in 1267, which makes it one of the oldest fairs in the world. It combines ancient and traditional events with modern attractions in a unique way, attracting visitors from all over the world. Events start at teatime on Friday with a free concert Dancing in the Street. O Saturday follow the crowds up to the Crab Fair field to check out all the local producers, take a look in the craft and food marquees, watch the sports, dog shows, equestrian events, ferret shows and much more.
egremontcrabfair.com
ESKDALE SHOW
NEAR KING GEORGE IV INN, ESKDALE
Sat Sep 28
Eskdale Show is the oldest and, they say, premiere show for Herdwick sheep, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Eskdale fells. The show has been running almost continuously for 155 years and was founded to improve the Herdwick bread. The world champion Herdwick was first awarded in 2016 and in 2018 the show had its first all-female judging team. While the show is centered around competitions for the best Herdwick sheep, athletic events and produce, it is also a social occasion and the highlight of life in the valley, with fun for all.
eskdaleshow.co.uk
WASDALE HEAD SHOW & SHEPHERD’S MEET
SHOW FIELD, WASDALE HEAD
Sat Oct 12
One of the more traditional agricultural shows, the name ‘Shepherd’s Meet’ and date in mid-October reflects the tradition of shepherds getting together at the end of the main farming season to discuss their trade and to enjoy some social activities. Prizes are awarded to sheep and sheepdogs in various categories. There is also a shepherds’ crook competition where intricately carved crooks are judged on their design. Anyone attending can enter the ‘best shepherd’s boots’ competition, and those with fine facial hair may like to enter the ‘best beard’ contest. Trade stands, vintage vehicles and a craft barn too.
wasdaleheadshow.co.uk
