Cartmel Gathering

Cartmel Racecourse will mark a landmark moment in its history on Whit Bank Holiday Monday, 25 May, when it hosts the Cartmel Gathering – a celebration of traditional sport, community competition and racing as part of the racecourse’s 170th anniversary season. The event commemorates the first recorded modern race meeting held at Cartmel on Whit Monday in 1856, and aims to recreate the spirit of those early gatherings when race days were as much a rural festival as a sporting occasion.Visitors can expect a full afternoon of jump racing, alongside a lively programme of traditional country sports and entertainment designed to reflect the historic character of the meeting. One of the highlights of the day will be Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling, one of Cumbria’s oldest sporting traditions. The competition will be run as a fully accredited Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling Association event, bringing some of the region’s top wrestlers to compete at the racecourse. The programme will also include a Traditional Wrestling Costume Competition, celebrating the distinctive attire of the sport – including velvet wrestling trunks traditionally worn by competitors, often creatively embroidered.Tug of war competition open for entries:
The Gathering will also feature a tug of war competition, organised with the support of Upper Eden Tug of War Club, one of the leading clubs in the north of England. Teams from Young Farmers’ Clubs, sporting clubs, local businesses and other community groups are encouraged to enter. Details on how to take part can be found on the Cartmel Racecourse website.The event will also feature participation from Cartmel Show, helping to recreate the atmosphere of the early gatherings that combined sport, agriculture and community celebration. Their involvement will bring additional traditional country show entertainment, with activities younger visitors and families will particularly enjoy. Visitors can also enjoy a traditional fair with Victoria-style stalls, alongside live music from Flookburgh Band.