[T]he 10th Country Fest proved to be a huge success with thousands of visitors flocking to the event to enjoy everything this festival has to offer that celebrates the British countryside.
In the Lloyd South Lakes Arena, the Jason Smyth Adrenaline Tour wowed the crowds with daring airborne stunts encouraged by an enthralled and cheering audience. The crowd pleasing Terrier racing was great fun and other highlights included the Fell Pony Display Team, historic and military vehicles and classic motorcycles.
First time exhibitors, Flowers North West, amazed visitors with their creative and imaginative flower displays. Another first this year was paper cup recycling in partnership James Cropper PLC, South Lakeland District Council and Cumbria Waste with visitors keen to recycle their used cups to be turned into beautiful paper at James Cropper’s HQ in Burneside.
The McClures Food Theatre was packed all weekend with people enjoying cookery demonstrations from numerous chefs including 2018 MasterChef finalist Moonira Hinglotwala. The poppy making workshop in the Sew Crafty Marquee was busy with both young and old hand making poppies to be displayed in the ‘Westmorland Remembers’ Marquee at the County Show on 13 September.
The WI Marquee celebrated Inspirational Women and the Vintage Revival Marquee included a Vintage tea room serving tea and cakes which was a big hit, as was the extremely popular Food Zone full of all manner of delicious food and drink for visitors to purchase and take home.
Popular favourites included Discover Farming, Pets Corner and the Poultry and Rabbit Show plus Donkey Rides and the Kite Festival. The Dog Show and Terrier Show had plenty of entries with the Westmorland Veterinary Group presenting rosettes to the winners. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust held their Fourth Annual Young Shepherds event over the two days with workshops and sheep classes to encourage the best young talent from around the country.
Prizes were presented by Deputy President, Susie Bagot, to all the winning bakers in the AGA Bake a Cake Competition with prizes for each category kindly donated by the AGA Shop in Kendal.
Christine Knipe, Chief Executive of the Westmorland Agricultural Society, said: “We are so proud to be celebrating 10 years of Country Fest this year and I would like to say a huge thank you to all the visitors for coming and supporting the event. I would also like to thank all the exhibitors, display teams, traders, food and drink producers and our team of volunteers who all help to make this enjoyable family event what it is. We look forward to welcoming you all again next year for another great Country Fest where there really is something for all the family.”
Country Fest will take place on 1 and 2 June next year, so make a date in your diary.
