ABOUT KESWICK SHOW
Keswick Agricultural Society was founded in 1860, being one of the oldest Societies in Keswick.
History of the show
Keswick Show has a long history going back all to the way to first event in 1860. Now held on each August Bank Holiday, it attracts up to 10,000 spectators to the idyllic setting near Braithwaite overlooked on all sides by a glorious vista of fells.
The Show had previously been held on Crossings Field on the edge of Keswick but, following flood prevention work carried out by United Utilities, that site became unusable and resulted in a desperate search for a suitable alternative venue. After almost giving up we were offered a lifeline by Joe and Val Bennett and Steven Clark who offered their fields for us to use for the Show.
The Show offers a wide variety of attractions suitable for young and old alike…
The Agricultural section is dominated by sheep with the traditional Lakeland breeds of Herdwick, Swaledale, and a section of rare breeds as well as many other varieties. There are also classes for Horses, Gun Dogs, Terriers, Sheepdogs and Foxhounds. The Industrial Tent gives entrants a chance to show off their skills in the kitchen and garden in addition to embroidery and photography, and there are also classes specifically for youngsters. For the juniors, there are also the Pony Games and Children’s Dog and Pet Shows.
There is also the always popular traditional Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling, the Sheepdog Trials, and if you want to show how fit you are, you can enter into the Fell Race to the top of Barrow, which overlooks the show field. There is a display of Vintage Machinery and an extremely wide range of Trade Stands around the field, with an Art and Craft Tent and a Food Marquee. If you are thirsty you can try one of our many Watering Holes at various locations across the Show Fields.
… if you prefer, there is a free car park adjoining the show field whilst there is a free shuttle bus service to and from the show field from Outside the Quaker Meeting House, near Booths on vintage buses provided by the Workington Transport Heritage Trust.
All in all, Keswick Show provides a magnificent day out for young and old, locals and tourists, and we sincerely hope that all you have a great time and make August Bank Holiday Monday a permanent date in your diary and spread the word to others.
"Something to Please Everyone"
Key Officials
Martin Relph
Steven Clark
Like Martin, Steven performs a similar role in organising and setting up the field and dealing with show day problems.
Haydn Spedding
Haydn is essential in ensuring the smooth running of the show on the day and is one of the main points of contact in the secretary’s tent should any snags occur.
Linda Grave
Secretary
Following Judith’s Retirement as Show Secretary after 31 years, 2024 is Linda’s first year as Show Secretary. It’s been a huge learning curve for me and I have enjoyed every part of the organisation of this year’s Show. Feedback (good or bad) is welcomed as we strive to provide a great day for everyone.
Harry Thompson
After serving on the committee for many years, Harry took over as Treasurer from Mike Bulman in 2000. This is not an easy task maintaining a balance between income and expenditure, a job which he has done tremendously well over the years.
Sal Pepper
Sal is now in her 4th year as Industrial Secretary and has settled into the role extremely well. Sal also has many other roles within other Organisations in Keswick.
Judith Hildreth
The absolute bedrock of the show, taking over from her father, Wilfrid Relph, who himself had filled the post for 28 years, stepped down as Secretary this year after 31 years. Judith organised the entire event from top to bottom throughout the year and anything she doesn’t know about the show isn’t worth knowing about. Judith is still very much a part of the Show and remains on our Committee. Judith and Trevor will be our Show’s Presidents for our 2025 Show.
Lucy Roast
Lucy took on the role of equine secretary in 2019. She takes care of all of the equine entries and selects the judges for each section. She is available all day on show day in the Equine Secretary’s Tent.
Sue Tyson
Sue is passionate about rare breed sheep and took on the role of Sheep Secretary in 2022. A local farmer, she is well known within the farming community. Like Lucy she is available all day on show day at the sheep section.
Organisation & Administration
To view details about our committee members, show officials of past presidents please click on the buttons below
join us
We would welcome any enthusiastic person who would like to get involved in one of the highlights of the year in Keswick. Obviously the whole focus is on helping to set the field up in the four to five days prior to the show, helping out on the day and then dismantling everything again on the following two days.
A lot of this takes part in the evening so that having a full time occupation should be no barrier. Apart from this there are three to four meetings each year.
Anyone interested should please contact us by filling in and sending the contact form.