THERE is more to the Westmorland County Show than just animals and livestock farming.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a range of stalls and exhibitions – from rural crafts through to cookery demonstrations.

Christine Knipe, chief executive of the Westmorland County Agricultural Society, which runs the show, said there was ‘something for everybody’ at the event.

Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling will make a proud return to the show this year. It was not permitted in 2021 owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

The show will be hosting the 14 stone world championship.

“We have got a fantastic food theatre, sponsored for the first time by Cumbria Life,” said Mrs Knipe.

READ MORE: Travel information for the county show

Headlining in the food theatre is TV chef Simon Rimmer.

Also appearing will be Dan McGeorge, head chef at Ambleside’s Rothay Manor hotel, Ryan Blackburn, head chef at the Michelin-starred Old Stamp House restaurant, also in Ambleside, and Scott Fairweather, head chef at The Black Swan hotel in Ravenstonedale, near Kirkby Stephen.

“We really are celebrating the fabulous breadth and quality of Cumbria’s chefs and hospitality industry,” said Mrs Knipe.

“We have really got some high-flyers there.”

The show’s food hall, which was smaller last year owing to the coronavirus pandemic, is to return in its ‘full glory’ at the 2022 edition of the show, with more than 60 producers.

Exhibitors in the hall have to be from within a 55-mile radius of the show so, said Mrs Knipe, it is ‘really about celebrating local producers and artisan businesses’.

A team of volunteers from charity North West Blood Bikes Lancashire and Lakes is to operate a food crèche where visitors can leave the items they have bought to pick up later.

The rural crafts section is returning to the show.

“Showgoers can find some beautiful and unique handmade crafts for the home and garden, and they can also discover new skills,” said Mrs Knipe.

She described the Women’s Institute tent as an ‘absolute must-see’ with ‘all their displays, horticultural and culinary exhibits’.