The first ever Country Fest has drawn thousands of visitors to the Westmorland County Showground at Crooklands on day one of the inaugural two-day event.

Months of hard work paid off for organizers the Westmorland County Agricultural Society whose efforts were blessed with clear blue skies today (Sunday).

On today’s showing, Country Fest has not only more than successfully replaced the Food Lovers Festival which folded last year, but managed to bring a whole new dimension to the important link between food and farming.

A delighted chief executive Christine Knipe said that by staging a truly family-orientated event, Country Fest had attracted lots more people.

Guest of honour, the celebrity chef and countryside personality Clarissa Dickson Wright – who is also an ardent admirer of the Westmorland County Show – said she was delighted to be able to lend her support to Country Fest. I think this event is just the right size and it is so wonderful to see so many small food producers.”