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Lowther Show

For over 35 years, Lowther Show was one of the biggest outdoor shows on the in the North of England and a highlight of the sporting calendar. In the grounds of Lowther Castle, the main arena provided a semi-natural outdoor theatre with elevated views for hundreds of spectators, a magnificent stage for displays of all kinds and, around the estate, a venue for country activities from fly-fishing to fell-running, and the home of the Lowther Horse Driving Trials.

The first driving trials at Lowther were held in 1973. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was among the competitors and was a leading competitor until his retirement after the 2006 event, after which he became the show's patron. Also among those competitors at the very first event was local hero George Bowman. George went on to become National Champion in horse teams a record 19 times and competed in more World Championships than anyone else on the history of the sport, and is father to the Bowman dynasty of carriage drivers. Eldest son, George Jnr, won the trials for the first time in 2007.

The Lowther Horse Driving Trials took place over three days, with the main event the gruelling cross-country marathon through the Lowther estate, local villages and Lake District fells, including the heart-stopping manoeuvres through tricky obstacles and the spectacular water obstacles on the banks of the River Lowther. The finale was a cone-driving contest to test the horses and drivers to their limits. With the dramatic backdrop of Lowther Castle and the quality of the event and the competition, Lowther occupied a unique and very special place in carriage driving history.

The Country Fair was added and a programme of attractions to promote all aspects of country life, and the Lowther Horse Driving Trials and Country Fair – Lowther Show  or simply ‘Lowther’ as it soon became known - grew into a great weekend, regularly attracting 30,000 visitors. The Show aimed to provide an insight into the countryman’s way of life and provide a platform for the promotion of the countryside and all country sports. Run on a not-for-profit charitable basis, over 35 years the Show gave £300,000 to chosen charities.

The last show in 2008 was disrupted by heavy rain. Many shows have suffered from unpredictable weather patterns, lower attendances and lower revenues, increasing costs, health and safety burdens and, more recently, the economic downturn. In November 2009 Lowther Horse Driving Trials Ltd took the courageous decision to wind-up the show for the benefit of the charities it supports.

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