Lowther Show
Message from Show Director Robert Benson
17 November 2009
Robert Benson
It is with enormous sadness and regret that the Directors and Committee of Lowther Driving Trials and Country Fair announce that the decision has been taken to cancel plans for the 2010 show due to be held on the 6th - 8th August, and to close down the show.
Lowther Driving Trials rents the site and is an independent company limited by guarantee with charitable aims.
A number of factors including the recession, increasing costs and decreasing income combined with changing weather patterns, enforcing a change in the layout and reduction in size of the show, mean that it is no longer viable. This is a massive blow for all concerned, for Cumbria and for the Northwest.
The event was started in 1973 and had run very successfully ever since in the North Park in front of Lowther Castle regularly attracting more than 40,000 people over the three days. During this period, up until 2007, it had made donations to countryside charities and the sport of carriage driving of over £250,000. In 2008 dreadful weather over the setting up period was compounded by torrential rain over the event itself .This eventually led to the last day of the event being cancelled with the park being turned into a quagmire. A large financial loss was incurred as a result and early reinstatement was vital in order to ensure that 2009 could go ahead .Continuing wet weather right through the Autumn of 2008 prevented any reinstatement from being done and this ultimately led to the cancellation of the 2009 show as well.
It had always been hoped to stage the return of the event in 2010 but it is now clear that the event in its traditional format and in the park at Lowther is no longer viable. The requirements to counteract potential poor ground conditions and in doing so satisfy health and safety combined with the effects of the economic downturn make fulfilling the charitable aims of the company impossible.
Robert Benson
Show Director