TOMORROW’S Cumberland Show is guaranteed to have pulling power.

The flagship show, taking place on farmland at East Park, Brisco, on the outskirts of Carlisle. is hosting the National Tug of War Championship extravaganza, which sees 15 of the best tug of war teams from all over England competing for gold, silver and bronze medals in men’s ladies and junior weight categories. There will also be a mixed gender weight class, with teams consisting of four men and four ladies each.

The event has been organised by the Cumberland Show committee in partnership with Upper Eden Tug of War Club and the English Tug of War Association (TOWA), with the latter celebrating its 60th anniversary last year.

Each tug of war team will be made up of eight pullers, organised in weight classes, with teams weighing in the night before the event. Each team is not allowed to exceed the weight limit for each weight class.

The winning teams from the different weight classes that are held at the national championships will go on to represent England at the Tug of War International Federation (TWIF) European Tug of War Championships, which this year are taking place in Castlebar, in the Republic of Ireland in September.

Local interest in the event will come from the Upper Eden team, who won two bronze medals at the 2018 National Championships and who are this year looking to improve on those results.

TOWA spokesman Alan Knott said: “Tug of war is practiced at a serious level by our competitors, and while being amateurs, a lot of training and practice is required to be successful. That will be evident when people come along to watch the event”

Jill Dunglinson, Cumberland Show secretary, said: “The event will be the centrepiece for what is a large country event and we look forward to a fascinating day of competition.”

Elsewhere on the 60-acre rolling countryside an array of family attractions will run throughout the day, including the popular fun dog show and, staying with our four-legged friends, the Lake District Sheep Dog Display, the Sealpin Gundogs, as well as another favourite, the Ferret World Roadshow. A highlight of the showground is the forestry events arena, and the main ring will play host the fast-paced pony club games, vintage vehicles display and, of course, the Parade of Champions, with winners from the livestock classes. The industry tent features a record 5,000 entries, and numbers for the sheep classes have practically doubled.

Gate price is £15 and children up to 16 go free when accompanied by adult. There is free parking on the site and a bus service from and to Carlisle city centre. Visit www.cumberlandshow.co.uk/ for more information.