THERE is no better way to celebrate summer well and truly arriving than to visit Country Fest.

The annual event takes place this weekend, Saturday June 1 and Sunday, June 2, and will as ever be held at the fantastic venue of the Westmorland County Showground at Crooklands, close to the M6

And this year, Country Fest will be bigger and better than ever and promises to provide every ingredient required for the perfect family weekend with plenty for people of all ages to enjoy.

All the usual favourites will of course feature, including the stunning Kite Festival, fabulous shopping in the food, craft and vintage marquees plus the rabbit show and rare breeds show.

Topping the bill at the Food Theatre will be Cumbria’s very own BBC Masterchef 2019 winner Irini Tzortogloue, pictured above, and ever popular Hipping Hall based Masterchef: The Professionals finalist Oli Martin will also be present along with Scott Fairweather of the Black Swan at Ravenstonedale and Lovingly Artisan’s Aidan Monks.

In addition, Bethany Moran returns with a cookery workshop for children on Saturday while master cheesemaker Martyn Gott of St James Cheese hosts a masterclass on Sunday.

Returning by popular demand after their breathtaking 2017 show are Honda UK’s official Stunt Team Bolddog Lings, the UK’s top freestyle riders, who will wow the crowd with their heart-stopping tricks in the Lloyd South Lakes Arena.

Country Fest will also be welcoming the IWA National Trailboat Festival, when you can try out a host of activities on the canal or on dry land or if you wish, simply take a walk along the canal towpath and admire the magnificent array of boats.

And if you are feeling a touch more active, Jogging Pals will be delivering Try a Trail this year, featuring a 5k family friendly guided trail and a 1k kids run.

New for 2019 is Thriving Trolleys, a scheme in which schools have been invited to plant, grow and nurture flowers, fruit or vegetables in a supermarket trolley. The result is a colourful spectacle and a great learning opportunity for youngsters.

A new attraction this year is the Floral Design Marquee, which will feature a series of stunning floral arrangements.

Adult pay on the gate tickets are £11, children aged 5-16 can gain entry for just £3 while family tickets, which cover two adults and up to three children, are £24.

And remember, all funds raised will go the Westmorland County Agricultural Society to help support farming and the countryside.

So don’t miss this wonderful event, and for any more details and directions, simply visit the website at https://westmorlandshow.co.uk/country-fest/.

“Come along and enjoy the event,” said Christine Knipe of the Westmorland County Agricultural Society.

“We are sure you’ll have a great time.”