The new site will be able to accommodate all the attractions, exhibitors, livestock, competitions and entertainment that every agricultural show needs. The show council are sure that the venue will attract new visitors and spectators as well as welcoming a few people back who perhaps haven’t been for a while.
Show chairman, John Wharton, said: “Whilst the Racecourse have been wonderful landlords for the past six years and we can’t thank them enough for all their help over the period, we have been searching for a site which brings together all sections of the show in a more compact form. The layout of the show on the new site is still work in progress but we have a blank canvas to design the show within the new fields we have. It is a very exciting time for the show.”
Geraldine McKay, Carlisle Racecourse’s General Manager, said: “We have been proud to host the Cumberland Show here at the racecourse since 2010.
“We were delighted to step into the breach when the previous venue, Rickerby Park, was flooded and we have enjoyed some wonderful show days here over the last six years.
“Everyone at Carlisle Racecourse would like to wish John and the show committee all the very best for 2017 and we look forward to attending what we are sure will be another fantastic Cumberland Show when it opens at its new venue.”
The new landlords are Messrs E. I Coulthard of Brisco Hall Farm who said: “We are delighted to be able to support the Cumberland Agricultural Society and to welcome the Cumberland Show onto our farm at East Park. Fingers crossed that the sun will shine to ensure a successful first event in 2017.”
Several of the show’s key sponsors have been involved with initial plans and they are in favour of the difficult decision that the show council have made and have all pledged their support for 2017 and years beyond.
Martyn Henderson of Rickerby’s is also excited by the announcement commenting: “Returning to proper farm parkland will be ideal and allows the committee to relaunch the show again and to bring back the parkland atmosphere.”
Rae Tomlinson of Carrs Billington added: “We are in full support of the show's move and we look forward to working with and supporting the society in this new venture, which I’m sure will help further build on the growing successes of the previous years.”
A full schedule is now available on the Cumberland Show website. The closing date for class entries is 19 May 2017. Further details about the show are available at www.cumberlandshow.co.uk