Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show is encouraging families to swap screen time for ‘serene time’, as it prepares to open the gates for its annual event on Sunday August 24.
The traditional elements of fell racing, hound racing and Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling will all be in evidence, as the cornerstones of an event older than the modern Olympics. This year, however, there will be a brand new attraction. The event will also encompass the first ever paragliding race, the thrilling Grasmere Hike and Fly, which is parachuting into the programme.
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With a frenetic race out of the Pavilion at the start and possible close finish at the end, this paragliding race will add drama to the event. It will offer providing a brand-new facet for the crowd’s entertainment as they watch the action unfold across the Lakeland fells via screens and gaze up at the paragliders above the field.
The crowd at this event, as in other years, will include visitors and competitors from across the UK, as well as Iceland, France and other far-flung places.
Breton wrestler Léa Qlin will be in a contingent of 10 Breton wrestlers heading to Grasmere, where all love the buzz of performing on grass, rather than indoors. She highlights how her contingent’s presence will provide a chance for the crowds to see European champions who were triumphant at the European Championships of Celtic Wrestling, held in Brittany in April. She hopes to see the Breton contingent win some titles and cites Anaëlle Le Piolet in the 10 stones women’s category, as well as Corentin Le Guen in the 11 Stone and Youenn Moal, in the 14 Stone, as ones to watch.
The Icelanders are focusing on youth, bringing two 12-year-old boys Fenrir Frosti and Ýmir Eldjjárn. Also participating will be the current Glíma Queen of Iceland, Kristín Embla Guðjónsdóttir, champion of the Glima form of back hold wrestling and one sure to create a stir.
With some brilliant local wrestlers to appreciate too, of all ages, the action is sure to engage many. This will include anyone amongst the 95% of Brits who say they have never seen Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, according to Grasmere Sports’ independent research.
In the fell races, ‘Will there be record-breakers?’ is the big question for Sunday August 24, 2025, as the 50thanniversary of the Under-17s fell race record is celebrated. This was set by Sedbergh’s Graham Moffat in 1975. That was the year that Blue Peter’s John Noakes took part in the traditional Grasmere Sports events of Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling and fell racing.
Noakes competed in the prestigious Senior Guides race, the final fell race of the day. The record for that one is another that has long been expected to fall, but has stood since 1978. That was set by famous fell runner, Fred Reeves, and there is a prize of £500 to an athlete that breaks it.
The women’s Senior Guides record of Victoria Wilkinson is now 8 years old. That one too will be under the spotlight on August 24, with another £500 reward for a record-breaker.
“With records having tumbled in some junior races in recent years, there is every chance a record-breaking runner has come through the ranks. If conditions are right, they could potentially achieve what has appeared impossible for decades,” says show Chairman, John Hibbert.
The serene time many screen users need, can be found by watching all the action on the fell, in the stunning natural arena that the Grasmere Sports showground enjoys. It’s not just the fell runners that visitors can watch on the glorious fell landscape but trail hounds too. They are avidly on the track of an aniseed scent that can be laid out over around 10 miles.
Families will be able to get kids off their consoles and on to an array of weird and wonderful bicycles – including an unrideable one. They could also take part in a fell race or a track race, as anyone can enter. They may also become fascinated by the sleight of hand of traditional fairground artist, Sam the Scam, or simply want to tap their feet to the sounds of the stilt-walking brass band, the Fat Cat Brass Band.
Those stressed out by corporate life, can spin plates in a completely different context and join in all the fun with Circus Avago. Children and adults alike can pick up new circus skills and head back to the office, or school, with a talent that might impress their peers. Any frustrations could also be spent in a tug-of-war pull – something many of us haven’t experienced since our school days.
A bumper number of craft stalls have also booked to be at this year’s show, satisfying the urges of those who are obsessed by handmade or handcrafted items.
Meanwhile, rural life is also being showcased, thanks to an array of sheep on display in the Fell Gather Roadshow. The Lakeland Dialect Society will be teaching visitors a few phrases in Cumbrian dialect and there will be a fun dog show, classic cars, fairground fun and festival food.
“Everyone is welcome to come to the show and appreciate why, way beyond 170 years, it is still going strong,” says John Hibbert. “With the added drama of long-held records that could tumble, plus paragliders in the sky, it will have even more thrilling elements. The tug of this event is huge for those who make an annual bee line for it. It’s something many more should experience.
“We know many people are avidly looking forward to our unique blend of Cumbrian culture and sporting heritage. We can’t wait to put on the Show, once again, and demonstrate what Grasmere Sports is all about, both to the local community and those who want to become a part of that community during one fantastic day out.”Any families planning to visit is reminded that online ticket sales will end at 7pm on Friday August 22. On-the-day tickets on the Sunday will be on offer but at a higher price. Head to www.grasmeresports.com to buy.
