For the second year in a row, Penrith show will not take place on the show field, but organisers are already looking ahead and planning for 2022 when they will celebrate the show’s half-century in its current location.
A grand prize draw has been launched with over £5,000 in prizes donated by sponsors and local businesses.
Mandy Hitch, show secretary, said: “Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of Penrith show on the show field at Brougham Hall Farm, so we decided to start a campaign that would raise awareness and help raise some valuable, much-needed funds.
“That’s why we’ve launched our grand prize draw which will take place on July 17 — which would have been our show day.
“The response to our call for prizes has been phenomenal — and we’re delighted to announce over £5,000-worth of prizes.”
New show chairman Fiona Kidd explained more about the 50 on the Field Campaign.
“Last year we ran a ‘virtual show’, but for 2021 we want to do something different, something we can get everyone involved in, something that would help generate income to cover the annual fixed costs, and something that will help fill the coffers for the show in 2022.
“Jamie Fisher reminded us that 2022 marks 50 years since the show moved to its current site, but with three show years of poor weather, combined with two years affected by COVID-19, funds have dwindled.
“We’ve kept costs to an absolute minimum, with officials working on a voluntary basis to help out, and we are determined that the 50 on the Field show will happen. We hope this grand draw will be the start of some good celebrations to come.
“The committee has gathered together more than 50 different prizes, worth over £5,000 and we are very grateful for the 35-plus local businesses and show sponsors who have donated prizes.
“The number five features heavily in the list — and there’s something for everyone. Prizes include five weekend tickets to Kendal Calling, luxury afternoon teas, great outdoor adventures, family days out, a night away from home and even 50 burgers and sausages.
“It’s important to get as many people involved as possible, so as well as the trustees and committees selling tickets, we’ve enlisted the support of Penrith Young Farmers and we’re also very grateful to the following local retailers who are selling tickets: Chestnut House, Pooley Bridge; N. Arnison & Sons, Penrith; Carrs Billington, Penrith and Carlisle; and John Watt & Son Coffee, Carlisle.
“It’s strange being chair of a show that isn’t taking place — but we’re all very positive about plans for 50 on the Field next year and hope the efforts of our committees help generate funds — and ideas for next year.”
There is a chance that Penrith show will have a presence in Penrith in the lead up to the show date and details of this will be announced on the Penrith show Facebook page, along with daily details of prizes and sponsors.
The prize draw will take place live on Facebook from 12.30pm on July 17.
Anyone looking to buy tickets can also contact Mandy Hitch, show secretary who can provide an online banking payment link — by phone on 01228 593 595, or email secretary@penrithshow.co.uk, or see the full list of prizes at www.penrithshow.co.uk
