Lake District: Many attend Hawkshead Show despite boggy conditions

The show, on Tuesday, featured everything in the world of farming from horses in fancy dress to vintage tractors and prize-winning onions.

Taking place on Hawkshead Hall Farm, there was also more than 60 trade stands, catering options and a homecraft marquee, as well as free children's entertainment and an adults fell race. 

The event that drew the biggest crowd was the sheepdog display. Many also watched the horse and pony classes, which included private carriage driving as well as the fancy dress. 

Vice president Jimmy Mallett praised the committee, which he said involved younger members. "It's been a good show," he said. "Considering what the weather was like yesterday and all through the night it's been a marvellous turnout."

Jimmy Mallett praised the Hawkshead Hall Farm for allowing the event to go ahead (Image: Newsquest, Daniel Pye)

He praised Hawkshead Hall Farm for allowing the event to go ahead, saying the committee had to be 'grateful' and that the owners had to manage the bureaucracy of putting on a large event on their land. 

"It isn't easy for them as landowners to accommodate a show like this, and so for that, we're very very grateful," he said. "In the past, we've had to cancel the show quite a few times either for the weather or for Covid. Three years ago we were on the verge of extinction." 

Andrew Brown said that there has been a 'very, very good turnout' (Image: Newsquest, Daniel Pye)

Committee member Andrew Brown said there was a 'very, very good turnout.' "We're not a huge team, there's been a lot of work gone on," he said. 

Ian Grisedale, from a farm in Crooklands, had the winning Herdwick ram. He said the style of sheep and the quality are factors in why he won the competition. He said: "It takes a lot of years to get quality - it's all down to dedication." 

Ian Grisedale with his prize-winning ram (Image: Newsquest, Daniel Pye)

Barry Guy walked out into the ring with Floss, a sheepdog who got second in the short-haired class. When asked if she did any trials he said: "No, the sheep would have been everywhere." About the event he said: "It's very good, I've enjoyed it, thoroughly enjoyed it, bit boggy but that's par for the course."

Barry Guy with Floss, who won second-place in the short haired sheepdog category (Image: Newsquest, Daniel Pye)