Enjoy a Unique Lake District Cultural Experience at Grasmere Sports

Visitors can enjoy a great day out at an iconic Lake District event on August Bank Holiday Sunday (August 27 2023) and also immerse themselves in Cumbrian culture, for true sense of place and holidaying authenticity.

Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show, founded in 1868, will again be presenting a rich tapestry of sporting and more general entertainment, at the heart of the village made world-famous by William Wordsworth.

Under breathtaking, imposing fells, visitors can watch Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling competitions, including the World Championship bout in the All-Weights division.  With colourful Breton and Icelandic wrestlers, not to mention Scots, in Grasmere for the first time since the pandemic, seeing this enthralling sport, rooted in northern culture, is a true thrill.

Eyes will also be on the fellside itself, where fell runners, of all ages, will be tackling an ascent – up to 295 metres high for the adult runners – up the fell, with races run throughout the day.  Running through bracken and gorse, across rocky outcrops, through gaps in walls, past trees and up steep gradients, for even the under-9s, it is a compelling sight to behold.  

With hounds also sniffing out an aniseed trail in their own fellside race, there is doggy entertainment too and commentary to enjoy this year, as the racing dogs make their own descent to the finish line.   A Meet the Puppy session will thrill the kids, as will a Trail Hound Puppy and dog show.

Kids will also love the circus skills training and street entertainment on offer from Fire Man Dave and the chance to try out all manner or weird and wonderful bicycles from Wonder Wheelers.  They can also enter a Young Sports Reporter competition and, along with their parents, engage in some foot tapping to the Fat Cat Brass Band and duet, Badman Soul.

With flat track races and favourites such as an egg and spoon race, and Grasmere Sports’ famous Long Leap long jump competition, all of which are open to anyone to enter on the day, plus stalls, classic cars and even a good old Tug of War, there’s masses to enjoy, from the moment the Bellman rings the bell to officially open the show, at 10am.

Until it closes 5pm, you will be hooked, somehow becoming assimilated into a traditional event and a Lakeland culture that’s all about fantastic sporting endeavours, family pride and wholesome values.  You’ll find it hard to shake off the memories, once you’ve experienced it.  It’s centred on sport but it’s about so much more than sport.

Online ticket prices are £12 for an adult, £5 for a child or £28 for a family ticket for two adults and two children. On the day tickets cost £15 for an adult and £5 for a child.  So, head to www.grasmeresports.com to buy at the best price, for what is possibly the most addictive and wholly different day out of the summer.  Gates open at 9am.                                 

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Editors notes

Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show is an iconic event taking place in the heart of the English Lake District on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Its long historic roots date back to 1868 and it is renowned for its fell running, hound trails and Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling competitions, as well as being a fantastic family day out.