FOR the first time in its history, Cumbria's oldest agricultural show, will be held over two days.

While countless other agricultural shows and countryside events have been forced to cancel because of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers of the Westmorland County Show 2021 have been working hard to get this year's event off the ground.

Planning for the show, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, September 8 and 9, has continued behind the scenes for many months and, with the determination to go ahead, committees and staff have been busy exploring all options to enable the popular event to go ahead.

Organisers, Westmorland Agricultural Society, say the Government roadmap has given them all confidence to stage the show, however they are only too aware of the challenges of running an event of their size, and they are needing to adapt to ensure they can do so safely for all concerned.

Throughout all the deliberations and planning, the safety and wellbeing of our community, exhibitors, visitors, stewards and contractors has been of greatest importance. The Show will be a Covid compliant event and will only go ahead if it is safe to do so. We are working closely with all the authorities involved to ensure all requirements in place in September are met, including social distancing.

Lisa Bennett, Chair Westmorland Agricultural Society said, “We are delighted that the Show will go on this year. As the country begins to open up, there is cause for optimism but we are only too aware of the long and difficult road ahead. Like every other business in the world right now, we will have to adapt and we hope everyone understands the changes are to ensure the Show runs safely.”

Attendance will be limited and running over two days means visitors numbers can be spread. Livestock classes will be split across both days and the layout is being overhauled to make best use of the extensive Showground.

Christine Knipe, Chief Executive said the last few months have been challenging for everyone involved with the show, but it was proving to be an exciting time as they worked together. “We are all keen on staging the Westmorland Show that we all know and love, a true celebration of agriculture.”

For over 200 years, 222 years for Westmorland, agricultural shows have brought together communities, showcasing rural life while providing businesses a platform from which to trade.Westmorland County Show has survived world wars, recessions and the Great British weather.

A full programme of activities will be held on both days, including WI, Learning for Life, The Sheep Show and Vintage Tractors. However, some sections will be day specific. Alongside the magnificent Food Hall, Craft Marquees and over 400 trade stands to guarantee visitors a fabulous day at the Show.

In the Forestry Arena, Cumbria Axemen Team, armed with axes, two-man saws and chainsaws compete in speed competitions and have demonstrations throughout the day. No gimmicks, just brute strength and power!

The Countryside Arena shows off the very best of rural sports and activities, including Bird of Prey displays, Gun Dogs, Fly Casting, Working Ferrets and much more. The Arena also plays host to the fantastic traditional spectacle of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling, with Championship Titles to be won.

It’s a bit like Miss World for Sheep says New Zealander Richard Savory who owns and operates the Show. Meet Nobby the Norfolk Horn, and Susie the Southdown and their friends and discover the different breeds of sheep, with a shearing demonstration too. Plus, not to be missed‚ The Sheepshow Shuffle‚ Dancing Sheep!

With their heart firmly in agriculture, the livestock are the Main Event at Westmorland Show! Competitors spend months preparing their animals ready for the Show season, and all that arrive are vying for the Champion rosette. From dairy and beef cattle, to light and heavy horses, sheep, pigs, goats, alpacas, poultry, terriers and hounds, there is something for everyone at the Show.

Westmorland County Agricultural Society was honoured with the highly esteemed Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2021, considered the MBE and the highest accolade a voluntary group can receive in the UK.