AXE-throwing, stick dressing and the best display of three onions... around the county, teams of committed enthusiasts are working hard behind the scenes to bring another season of agricultural shows to the summer calendar.

And on Thursday evening one such committee treated their supporters to a glimpse of what this year’s flagship Cumberland Show has to offer.

“It’ll be another day to remember,” they were told at the show’s launch held in Pioneer’s Rosehill Foodstore.

Farmer Michael Nicholson, who is in the second year as chairman, said this year’s show on Saturday, June 13 would provide serious farming, country crafts, townie business, family fun, food, friendship and “one or two tweaks”.

“We wouldn’t be able to pull off a great family day out without our hard-working committee, and our sponsors,” said Mr Nicholson.

Although still more than four months away, country life will once again take centre stage at the truly traditional showfield at East Park, Brisco, on the outskirts of Carlisle.

The 60-acre rolling countryside, belonging to show stalwarts the Coulthard family, marks the show’s fourth venue since it was first held in 1832. It moved there three years ago.

The show layout remains the same, with all the stands and marquees arranged around the central exhibition ring and nothing too far away.

This kind of day out is proving increasingly popular with the punters.

“County shows are drawing in wider audiences,” said committee member Gillian Potts.

“People from towns and cities are connecting more with the countryside and are even exhibiting now. The show combines tradition and agriculture with a fresh, modern focus to create a real celebration of farming, food and countryside,” she added.

There is a range of livestock classes including beef, dairy and sheep; heavy and light horses; poultry classes; and vintage vehicle classes. The Countryside Area displays rural crafts and skills; a home industries marquee; craft marquee; country living arcade; food hall; a wide range of trade stands; and a variety of entertainment around the showfield, which all make for a great family day out.

However, shows still face the same struggles, the weather being one of them.

“The weather on the day is something we cannot do anything about,” added Gillian. “It’s important shows retain their traditional appeal, and the Cumberland doesn’t stray too far from its roots.”

Last year’s show president, retired Brampton vet Colin Lindsay, said: “A lot of work goes into putting a show together, and it starts right after one finishes.

“People love the show for different reasons – one might be the crack on the day, or who has the best sponge cake. Looking through The Cumberland News archives, the show is part of our heritage and culture and we have to preserve this and maintain it for the next generation.”

Although the show is not taking place until June, schedules are due out any day and entries for traditional livestock classes should start to flood in.