Britain's What's On Event Guide
Enjoy a High-Flying August Bank Holiday Spectacle
There’s nowhere quite like the Lakeland village of Grasmere for a uniquely Cumbrian day out, and on August Bank Holiday Sunday (August 24), one of the UK’s oldest traditional sporting events takes on a new dimension, blending rich Lakeland heritage with daring airborne drama.
A full day’s entertainment lies in store the minute the show starts at 10 am, signalled by the ceremonial ringing of the bell by the Bellman. This will be followed by the National Anthem, played by a wacky brass band including a stilt-walking drummer. Sporting action kicks off at 10:30 am with the track races and goes on all day, until around 5 pm, after the pinnacle of the event – the Senior Guides’ fell race – has reached its thrilling conclusion.
The programme centres on unique and traditional sports rooted in centuries-old Cumbrian culture, including fell racing. Fell races are available for several age groups, with all racing up Butter Crag (either to the full summit height of 294 metres for the Senior Guides, or the age group turnaround point).
Then there is hound racing, with dogs following an aniseed and petrol trail and overcoming similar obstacles to the human racers, including walls. The third thrill is Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling – something only 5% of Brits have ever seen.
But 2025 marks a new high, with the first-ever Grasmere Hike and Fly Race. This new paragliding event, featuring 12 skilled pilots, will see participants race across the fells and through the air, using a mix of running and flying to navigate between waypoints.
Even family dogs can enjoy the day, by savouring their own fun dog show - not for pros, just normal doggies like Rex or Shep. Kids can engage in circus skills with Circus Avago, spinning plates before you can say ‘diabolo’, and grandparents can have fun tapping their feet to the jazz band’s session.
A full day’s entertainment lies in store the minute the show starts at 10 am, signalled by the ceremonial ringing of the bell by the Bellman. This will be followed by the National Anthem, played by a wacky brass band including a stilt-walking drummer. Sporting action kicks off at 10:30 am with the track races and goes on all day, until around 5 pm, after the pinnacle of the event – the Senior Guides’ fell race – has reached its thrilling conclusion.
The programme centres on unique and traditional sports rooted in centuries-old Cumbrian culture, including fell racing. Fell races are available for several age groups, with all racing up Butter Crag (either to the full summit height of 294 metres for the Senior Guides, or the age group turnaround point).
Then there is hound racing, with dogs following an aniseed and petrol trail and overcoming similar obstacles to the human racers, including walls. The third thrill is Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling – something only 5% of Brits have ever seen.
But 2025 marks a new high, with the first-ever Grasmere Hike and Fly Race. This new paragliding event, featuring 12 skilled pilots, will see participants race across the fells and through the air, using a mix of running and flying to navigate between waypoints.
Even family dogs can enjoy the day, by savouring their own fun dog show - not for pros, just normal doggies like Rex or Shep. Kids can engage in circus skills with Circus Avago, spinning plates before you can say ‘diabolo’, and grandparents can have fun tapping their feet to the jazz band’s session.
Sunday 24 August
The Showfield, Stock Ln, Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9SL
Sunday 24th August9 am till 5 pm
Tickets are best value when bought in advance, for £12 for adults, £5 for children and £28 for families. These prices are available until 7 pm on August 22 and are available via online purchase at the Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show website at www.grasmeresports.com. On-the-day adult and children’s tickets will also be available, at a higher cost.
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