Lowther Driving Trials and Country Fair 2009 cancelled

Lowther Driving Trials and County Fair will not run in 2009 as an ongoing consequence of wet weather damage at this year’s event.

Cumbria’s 50,000-spectator three-day show had to cancel its final day in August this year after heavy rain caused deep mud and ruts across the Lowther estate. The driving trials held its final cones phase with only competitors and officials having access to the venue.

Organisers of the event were planning to have the ground repaired for the 2009 event, but have been unable to start work on restoring the ground due to continuing heavy rain. It is now unlikely any work will begin before spring.

Show director Robert Benson said: “To have to cancel the whole show due to weather is totally unprecedented and deeply saddening for all those who work hard to stage the event.”

The British Horse Driving Trials Association has prevented a large gap being left in its national event calendar due to Lowther’s cancellation by moving the Ashfields, Essex, event into Lowther’s usual weekend (7-9 August).

Lowther hosts show jumping, working hunter showing a hound show, as well as a large tradestand village, and the cancellation will come as a blow to the Cumbrian community.

The organisers are planning a “vibrant and exciting show” for 2010.

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