FOR the second year in succession Penrith Show will not take place on the showfield – but organisers are already looking ahead and planning for 2022 when they will celebrate 50 years on the field.

A grand prize draw was launched over the May Bank Holiday weekend – with more than £5,000 in prizes donated by sponsors and local businesses.

Show secretary Mandy Hitch 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. Our call for prizes has been phenomenal.”

New show chair 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 2 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 committee selling tickets, we’ve enlisted the support of Penrith Young Farmers and we’re also very grateful to local retailers who are selling tickets.

"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, details of which will be announced on the Penrith Show FaceBook Page, along with daily details of prizes and sponsors (www.facebook.com/penrithshow).The prize draw will take place live on Facebook from 12.30pm on show day, July 17.