THOUSANDS of people are due to gather for an agricultural show as it celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Cartmel Agricultural Society is due to return on August 3 with a host of new attractions. 

The society was formed in 1872 following a meeting at the Cavendish Arms in Cartmel. 

After a two-year absence due to the global pandemic, the society will be welcoming thousands of visitors through the gates at Cartmel Park to celebrate the milestone.

Livestock and horse classes will take centre stage on show day, with the introduction of Valais Blacknose sheep classes this year.  

The main ring, which is sponsored by Elanco will host the Shetland Grand National.

The ring will also see a vintage tractor parade, terrier racing, the Grand Parade of winning animals, heavy and light horse classes. 

The show will also host the Under 15s Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling championship.

Elsewhere, there will be a new agri-education zone with a milking demonstration, shearing demonstration and a vet on hand giving visitors the lowdown on exactly where their milk comes from.  

Cartmel Young Farmers has organised a charity tractor pull, starting from Haverthwaite and finishing on the show field, with donations being taken for Motor Neurone disease.

They will also be providing family fun in the main ring with games after the Grand Parade of winning animals.  

Favourites including the dog show, terrier racing, children’s entertainment and traditional craft including the Hedge laying association will also be in attendance at the show.  

As ever, local food producers will play a large part of the day with a Cumbrian Food Hall displaying food and drink from the surrounding area for visitors to try and buy. 

For the first time, Green Door Art trail will be showcasing art from local artists in an exhibition in the grandstand, whilst the Village Industries marquee, a staple at the show, will be home to cakes, art, crafting and floristry. 

Secretary Sarah Dickinson said: “It’s incredible to see local businesses and organisations back Cartmel show, we wouldn’t be able to put on such a fantastic day without their support.

"We’re also very lucky with a huge team of volunteers, young and old who all pull together to bring the show to life every year. We’re pulling out all the stops this year for our anniversary show, with a lot of new attractions.

"Here’s to another 150 years." 

Tickets for the show are available online. 

For visitors who want to arrive by train, there will be a shuttle bus from Cark station to the showfield.

The 150th anniversary celebrations will continue to October 1 when the society will host an anniversary ball at Junction 36.

See https://www.cartmelagriculturalsociety.org.uk/