All roads will lead to one of the biggest, one-day stock shows in the north of England tomorrow.

Organisers are predicting Penrith Show will break records if the weather tempts thousands of families through its gates.

Cream teas, marquees, vintage tractor displays and shampooed cattle will all feature in this year’s rural revelry.

Traditional sports will be staged alongside stalls showing off state-of-the art industrial and farming gear.

While there are rosettes and trophies to be won in everything from best handwriting (under-sixes) to cakes and bakes, mare and foal, and shearling rams.

This year organisers reported trade stands, food hall and crafts marquee numbers were full as far back as the spring of this year, and once again the numbers of sheep entries were halted when they hit 1,000.

“Rural crafts stands were filled back in February and the food hall was full in April,” said general show secretary, Mandy Hitch.

To deal with the sheep numbers, the show has called upon its ‘pen pal’ John Page, who has become famous for building perfect sheep pens.

And thanks once again to his labours not one livestock pen will be out of shape at the show, held at picturesque Brougham Hall on the outskirts of Penrith.

Over the years Mr Page, who lives at Hunsonby, has become known as “Is It Straight Page?”

“We had to cap our sheep numbers again at 1,000. We just wanted to make sure our sheep rings could cope,” said Mandy.

The popular Beltex breed of sheep are standing at 54 in one single class, while the previous class is sporting 30 pairs of the breed.

“Last year we had a Belgian judge for this section, but this year our judge is from Ireland,” added Mandy.

“We have new classes this year in the sheep section, and we have split the Bluefaced Leicester sheep breed classes.”

Despite the current milk price crisis hitting Cumbrian producers, the show has a ‘decent’ dairy entry.

“In our senior cow class we have 10 entries, which is excellent, considering we are enforcing the regulations requiring all show cattle to have full TB tests before entry,” said Mandy.

Horse entries are on a par with last year and organisers reported an increase in the Concourse de Elegance and Coloured Horse classes.

Penrith Show is also renowned for its variety of entertainment. Back by popular demand is Flyin Ryan Motorcycle Stunt Show, which will guarantee to wow crowds lining the main ring with their wheelies and tricks and specialist jumps over big vehicles.

Limited free parking is available in the parking field next to the car park

A free “park and ride” is in operation from Penrith Auction Mart to the showfield.

First bus from the Mart is at 10am and the last bus back from the show field is at 6pm, running every half-hour traffic permitting.

See Monday’s News & Star for a picture special on Penrith Show. Results in The Cumberland News next Friday.