Anyone who doubted the popularity of country shows in the 21st century should have taken a trip to Crooklands, home of the Westmorland County Show, writes Clarissa Kirk. For only the second time in its history, the show attracted crowds in excess of 30,000. Not bad for an event that has been running for 214 years.
In recent years, the show has been dogged by less than perfect weather but the chance to see TV chef Phil Vickery in the food theatre and watch as the Countess of Wessex toured the showground, proved irresistible to visitors looking for a grand day out whatever the skies threatened.
Christine Knipe, the chief executive of the county’s agricultural society, said it had been a fantastic year and, as well as high numbers arriving on two legs, entries in the livestock competitions also set new records. It continues to be a jolly good show.
