Cartmel Show proves why it is a ‘proper agricultural event’

The annual event returned to Cartmel Park on Wednesday and was once again well supported by Cumbrians and visitors alike.

The show has made a name for itself for bringing together the highest standard of livestock, a range of local businesses, numerous charity groups, and plenty of high-quality food to choose from.

One of the stars of the show was young Yoyo of Fullwood Farm in Oldham, a five-month-old participant who was named the best junior bull in the competition.

Five-month-old Yoyo was named as best junior bull at the show (Image: Matthew Holmes)

The man behind her success, Peter, explained why he and his team made the journey up to Cumbria to be a part of the special occasion.

He said: "Cartmel, compared to the likes of the Lancashire show, is just a proper agricultural event, that's the way to put it.

"At Lancashire, it's obviously a larger spectacle, which means that there's more for people to do during the day, things that take away from the heart and purpose of the show - farming.

"Here, there were four or five times as many people watching us as the cows were introduced and graded so, although the crowds are smaller at Cartmel, it's more focused on solely celebrating farming."

Read more: Cartmel Show celebrated 125 years | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

As for what goes into having an award-winning cow, that is often down to the animal itself, as was the case for Yoyo.

Peter (right) leading Yoyo in front of the crowds (Image: Chris Warner)

"She's a crowd pleaser, with a really good temperament that caught people's attention," Peter added.

"It's not an official category, the best junior bull, but she entertained so many people that they couldn't allow to go home empty handed."

Doors opened on the day at 8.30am, giving crowds plenty of time to get up close and personal to the livestock at the heart of the show, as well as the farmers that look after them.

Olly Blogs, an influencer with over 500,000 followers on social media, helped entertain the crowds and reveal more about how the art of farming comes together.

Besides the agricultural displays on offer, a range of stalls kept visitors informed and well-fed, with the award for the best trade stand going to the Flookburgh Fishermen.

This was managed by Michael Wilson, who is also the King's Guide to the Sands in Morecambe Bay.

Having recently starred in a new Channel 5 documentary, Michael was on hand to tell people more about the tradition, and his family's fishing company, which has been operating in the Bay for over a century.

"We're just a happy bunch, wearing yellow, and I think we're spreading a bit of sunshine," he said.

Another member of the Flookburgh team added: "The others stands are all about insurance or things like that, but you don't get anything like this anywhere else, which is why I think we won the award."

Now in its 126th year, the Cartmel Show proved that it is still going strong.