Historic Cumberland Show Takes on New Venue
By John Connell
Vintage vehicles, terrier-racing and the ancient tradition of Cumberland wrestling are just a few of the highlights of the county’s flagship agricultural extravaganza.
The eagerly-awaited Cumberland Show will see thousands of visitors of the two-legged variety – plus hundreds of cows, sheep and other animals – gather on the outskirts of Carlisle on Saturday June 17 for a day of family fun.
This year’s annual celebration of country life will move for the first time to farm land at East Park, Brisco, its fourth venue since the inaugural show almost 200 years ago.
The popular show – featuring livestock-judging, craft stalls plus a host of competitions to entertain the spectators – has been an important part of the fabric of Carlisle and Cumbria since the 1830s, before the invention of the tractor and the steam plough.
Jill Dunglinson, who stepped up as Show Secretary several years ago, she said: “This is totally new venue on the outskirts of Carlisle. We are moving back to farmland and a more traditional setting. This is certainly the biggest change happening this year.
“We hope for more people coming each year. This is a traditional day out for the whole family to enjoy. It also shows off the countryside – its traditions and lifestyle – to different folk. There is also a great variety of trade stalls. This event has been going for 179 years and I hope it continues for another 179.”
Crowd-pleasers on the day will include a man and his dog herding a troop of ducks around an obstacle course in an event dubbed ‘Drakes of Hazard’. Meanwhile, combatants will get the chance to test their mettle in the Cumberland wrestling as crowds look on.
But those who prefer watching animal competitors will be spoilt for choice with the Pony Games, the Horse Supreme Championships and the grand parade. The Show will boast livestock classes including beef, dairy and sheep, heavy and light horses, show-jumping and horse-driving competitions and poultry classes.
Alongside its traditional mixture of classes, stands, exhibits and trophies up for grabs, spectators can also watch both sheep dog and gun dog displays. Youngsters can look forward to a circus workshop with a range of stunning acts to learn throughout the day.
The Cumberland Agricultural Society is also reintroducing Harness racing which has not been seen in the Show since the early 1980s in its Bitts Park days.
For the past six years the biggest date in the region’s rural calendar has been staged at Carlisle Racecourse because it was considered less prone to flooding and offered indoor facilities. But the latest change in venue was sparked after organisers revealed that they wanted a venue that would bring all sections of the show together in a more compact layout.
Tickets cost £14 for adults at the gate, but are £11 if booked in advance. Children up to 16 years go free but must be accompanied by an adult.http://www.cumberlandshow.co.uk/
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