2024 Keswick Show cancelled after heavy rain leaves field waterlogged

Organiser of the Keswick Show says he "couldn't see any way forward" other than to cancel the event due to the "torrential" rain over the last week.

The 2024 Keswick Show has been cancelled due to bad weather, its organisers have announced.

The Keswick Agricultural Show which attracts up to 10,000 people every year on the August bank holiday has been cancelled this year because of bad weather.

Martin Relph, Chairman of the Keswick Show, said: "Unfortunately through the week we made the decision to cancel the equine section to try and relieve pressure on the fields, but with the further rain through the nights and through Friday night, it was torrential.

"The car parking fields are all waterlogged and we just couldn't see anywhere forward after that."

The show has been held for over a hundred years, with the first event believed to have been held in 1860.

In a statement announcing the decision, organisers said: "We have explored every possible option to continue but sadly the weather has been extremely unkind to us.

"We have a responsibility to our generous landowners who allow us the use of the field and to our traders whom we would not be able to guarantee the safety of their vehicles or property.

"Our free car parking field is waterlogged, the marquees blew down and we got them put back up but sadly we are beaten with more rain to come."

The show is home to traditional Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling, and a fell race.

The race, at the show field, still went ahead after organisers encouraged participants to take part.

It's not the first time the show has been cancelled due to the weather. Officials say they are confident the show will return next year.

"We are not beaten; we will step up and work towards a Great Show for 2025," they said.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...