Organisers behind a West Cumbrian agricultural show that attracts thousands of people are gearing up for its return this month.
Taking place on August 20, Gosforth Show will feature traders and businesses from all over the county and further afield, as well as livestock, horses, and a BMX stunt display.
Gosforth Show’s secretary Julia Watson said: “The Gosforth Agricultural Society is excited to be back organising its annual show in 2022. While we have maintained our traditional theme, there has been changes around the field and classes added or tweaked to make the competitions more accessible.”
An array of talents will be on display in the produce, handicrafts and horticultural tents too. Julia added: “This year there will be a craft tent, this will operate alongside the history tent. The history tent is a major attraction for the show and the craft tent will just help make it even better, which is already fully booked with tables.
“Our trade stand bookings are filling up nicely and there’s a good variety which includes food to eat on the field, food to take home for later, traders selling their own creations, promotional stands and meet up areas for a catch up with friends old and new.
Gosforth Show has taken place since 1876 and has grown in popularity ever since. This will be its first show since the coronavirus pandemic put a halt to the event for two years.
Julia added: “Jason the Juggling Jester will be in attendance to entertain the children and this year’s main attraction is Broke BMX – which is a motorbike team who perform acrobatics and daredevil moves high above the ground.
“In the livestock area, we have introduced some new native and rare breed classes, which we hope will be supported by some of the many traditional breeds from around the country.
“We encourage all spectators to come and visit them, ask questions, breeders love talking about their animals and hopefully you’ll find out something new. The Rare Breed Survival Trust will have a tent to make everyone aware of the traditional breeds that are becoming rare and could disappear.
“There’s an open dog show with entries taken on the day at the dog tent, and wrestling will also return to the show, taking place at around 2pm, with entries on the day and children’s sports in the main ring around lunchtime.
“The horse section has seen a major change in their site location of the working hunter ring – in the past it was always on the back side of the field where it tended to be wet and uneven, so we have moved it onto the top of the main field above the main ring where it’s dry and flat. The classes have also been changed to make it more welcoming for novice riders.”
