Westmorland County Show set to make history upon its return

This is the first time in history that the county show will be a two-day event.

This is entirely due to the pandemic and the commitment to ensuring the show is as safe as possible for everyone concerned.

Planning for the show has continued behind the scenes for many months and, with the determination to hold the county show, committees and staff have been exploring all options to enable the event to go ahead.

Young handler at Westmorland county show

The Government roadmap has given them confidence to stage the county show, however they are aware of the challenges in running an event of this size and will need to adapt to ensure we 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.

HRH The Countess of Wessex tours Westmorland County Show

They 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.

ACTION: The Westmorland County Show in 2017

"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.”

To manage a safe return, there will be a number of changes and more details will be announced over the coming weeks. By running over two days the society believe this is the best way to spread visitor numbers.

Westmorland County Show 2018.

Livestock classes will be split across both days and the layout is being overhauled to make best use of our extensive showground.

Christine Knipe, chief executive, said: “The next few months are going to be challenging for everyone involved with the Show, but it will also be an exciting time as we work together. "

"We are all keen on staging the Westmorland show that we all know and love, a true celebration of agriculture.”

County Show.

For more than 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.