ENNERDALE Show has been cancelled this year – but the organisers have said that, if rules allow, a more informal gathering may be held.

The committee made the decision to cancel the 113th show – due to be held on August 26 – on Sunday.

Show secretary Will Rawling said: “It was a difficult decision to make but it was a damage limitation exercise: we cannot afford to spend a lot of money organising an event that might not happen.”

He said a more informal event might be held, if rules allowed.

“We might be able to have a more spontaneous event to bring the community together,” said Mr Rawling, who farms on Cold Fell.

“I’m determined to do whatever we can, within the legal restrictions.

“We could maybe have a sheep show and hound trail and the fell races and some children’s sports.

“Some of these are actually the biggest attractions.”

Cumberland wrestling has been cancelled for the season, he said. Pre-entry classes, including horse, craft and industrial, would not be held.

Hundreds of people usually attend the annual show at Kirkland Leaps, a mile from the Ennerdale Valley. The county agricultural shows attract farmers and their livestock from far and wide.

“All our lives have changed,” said Mr Rawling. “It’s frustrating not being able to attend livestock marts like we used to and now the shows are being cancelled. They were always a good place to catch up.

“But we are all continuing to do our hardest to feed the population.”

Next year’s show will be held on Wednesday, August 25.