Kirsty Thompson grabbed her camera and headed for the Westmorland County Show. Words by Miranda Thompson
As a record breaking 30,800 show-goers filed through the entrance, the sun shone on Westmorland County Show. Now in its 211th year, this is one of the north west’s oldest and most popular agricultural events, a one-day spectacular that continues to go from strength to strength.
Noah would be proud of the variety of animals with farmyard favourites like goats and pigs alongside the fluffy alpacas. The recently introduced dog show also proved to be a massive draw. Entries for the sheep and cattle classes were a testament to the show’s reputation with the introduction of entirely new classes for each section.
However, two legs were just as popular as four when it came to the Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, an ancient and popular sporting tradition.
In a true celebration of rural life, marquees and tents were dedicated to local food and rural crafts in the North West’s biggest food hall.
From gins to jam, cake, chutney and cordials in the Westmorland Food Hall to the quirky ‘dressed sticks’ section in the rural crafts marquee, the best local produce and crafts were enjoyed by the buzzing crowds.
Summing up the success of the day, show chief executive Christine Knipe named ‘every single person’ as a winner for their contributions to the show’s success.
Diaries at the ready - next year’s show will be held on the September 8.
