Last updated at 20:15, Thursday, 02 August 2012

Cockermouth Show will be flying the flag for the county’s hard-pressed agricultural sector.

ON WITH THE SHOW: Committee members get the site ready for tomorrow’s Cockermouth Show at The Fitz, on Low Road, despite a washout summer forcing cancellations of many other major events across the country. From left: Norma Boyes, Leah Coe, Joe Marrs, Martin Richardson, Mark Nixon and Ruth Lawson

Despite cancellations to rural shows and events up and down the country, the Cockermouth Agricultural Show committee has been determined that the event on The Fitz, on Low Road, goes ahead.

All eyes are now on the skies for fine weather after a summer of torrential rain that has hit local farmers.

Norma Boyes, show secretary, said: “We are very fortunate with our field because the majority is quite dry.

“We have thought ahead and we’re pushing for everyone to use the free park and ride and free shuttle bus to reduce the number of cars on the field.”

It is estimated that wet weather has cost UK agricultural shows and country events almost a quarter of a billion pounds in cancellations and low attendance this year.

Keswick Show, due to be held at the end of August, has already been cancelled over concern about the state of the Crossings Field show area.

The Cockermouth event, which will be the biggest agricultural show in West Cumbria this year, is run by a committee of around 120 people, some of whom have been involved for over 50 years.

Mrs Boyes said: “It is important that we fly the flag for agriculture.

“It brings people in from all over and gives them a chance to have a picture of what farming is like.”

She said entries in sheep categories were excellent, although cattle entries were slightly down on last year.

She added: “We are very fortunate that we get support from local businesses.”

The main attraction will be the Black Rock Llamas, who will do two displays in the main ring in the afternoon.

Last year more than 7,000 people attended the show and organisers are hoping for a similar turnout this year.

Joe Marrs, committee chairman, said: “I think keeping true to its agricultural roots is why people come back year after year.”

A large number of livestock including cattle, sheep and horses will be judged, and there will be new classes for Jacob sheep and for young handlers of pure breed animals.

The grand parade and presentation of prizes will take place at 2.30pm.

Tickets are £7 for adults and £5 for children and OAPs. Family tickets are available for £20.

A free park and ride service is available from Lakeland Livestock Centre all day from 10am.

A free shuttle bus service will also be available from Cockermouth Main Street from 10am.

First published at 19:21, Thursday, 02 August 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk