Cumbria's social summer calendar kicks off in style this weekend, from flagship country shows to muddy challenges and must-see festivals.

With organisers praying for sunshine all the way, and weathermen predicting a mixed forecast, an action-packed weekend is ahead whatever the conditions.

For thousands of showgoers the wait is over, as it’s Cumberland Show day tomorrow at Carlisle Racecourse.

Runners will be put to the test as Gelt Gladiator returns to Brampton.

More than 2,000 people are set to take on the challenge – a giant mud-filled assault course – on farmland and through Gelt Woods.

Now in its second year, the event has grown and four challenges will take place tomorrow and Sunday. There’s a new 10-mile challenge along with 10k, 6k and 3k version of the course.

Competitors will be put through their paces but organiser Mike James, of Endurance Sports Ltd, is keen for people to make sure they have fun.

“That’s what it’s all about,” he said. “It’s not about the running. It’s about a big laugh. Nothing is compulsory. People should just do what they can and take their time. It’s a challenge not a race.

“It is a brilliant, fun, exciting and a sometimes scary experience but we like giving people the opportunity to leave their comfort zone.”

There is an extra emphasis on safety this year and the route has been clearly roped to avoid runners getting lost. The first wave of the 10-mile challenge will set off tomorrow at 10am.

Music, face painting and a parade will be among the attractions at Aspatria’s Gala Day tomorrow.

The annual event will begin with a parade in the town led by seven-year-old Sophie Lockwood, and will include Penrith Brass Band, Sambandits, Bay Beat Salsa Band and Boom Dang Band.

It will set off from Aspatria Business Park on Park Road at 1.15pm and will head towards Aspatria Rugby Union Club on Station Road.

A fun fair will be set up at the rugby club with music from Just Jock. Wendy Campbell, secretary of the Aspatria 2000 committee which is organising the event, said: “It’s for the town. We always get a good turnout and everybody looks forward to it.”

Silloth Vintage Rally brings classic vehicles to the town.

The rally has run on Silloth Green every year since 1999. This year’s event is being held tomorrow and Sunday.

There’ll be steam traction engines, motorcycles, vintage and classic cars and tractors, commercial vehicles, military vehicles, and even pushbikes.

Joseph’s Amazing Racing Pigs will also be there, featuring six rare breed pigs, ranging from Tamworths to Gloucester Old Spots to Saddlebacks to Berkshires to Oxford sandy and blacks, who will fill the main arena with their amusing antics.

In its fifth year the popular north Cumbrian Stepping Stones Festival , organised by singer Maddy Prior – who will also be performing – is three days of live folk, rock and pop to Kirklinton Hall. It opens tonight with ceilidh band The Hedgehog’s Skin.

And it’s not all entertainment in the sun, for athletes and fundraisers this weekend also brings with it the Great North Swim at Windermere.

About 10,000 people will take part over various distances from Friday to Sunday.

The event features various different courses for swimmers of all abilities to raise money for charity.