IT WAS an entertaining time for friends, family and supporters when Cumbrian young farmers took centre stage for a popular annual competition.

Sedbergh YFC's production of 'Motorway Madness” produced by Roger Bainbridge got the afternoon’s entertainment underway, with a lively and very funny take on a motorway service station situated on the outskirts of the town.

Chaos ruled and a herd of badly behaved school children added to the mayhem and fun for those in the audience at The Bryce Institute at Burneside.

Next to take centre stage was Grayrigg YFC with their all singing, all dancing production “Through the Decades” produced by Grayrigg member, Lucy Gibson. The cast wowed with their cheeky dance moves and an unexpected finale which delighted the audience.

The final production of the day was Crook YFC with producer and club member Josie Sanderson’s production of “Come Dancing”. An amusing take on the iconic movie night theme, Crook’s young farmers kept the audience entertained in fine and often comedic style.

At the end of a fun filled and entertaining afternoon, Judges, Kerry Hartin and Kerry Stevens announced the winners as follows:

1st Crook YFC

2nd Sedbergh YFC

3rd Grayrigg YFC

Best Junior Actress: Mika, Crook YFC

Best Junior Actor: Toby, Sedbergh YFC

Best Actress: Lucy Gibson, Grayrigg YFC

Best Actor: Callum, Crook YFC

The following evening saw Raughton Head and Wigton YFCs tread the boards at the Harraby Community Theatre for the Northern District Entertainments Final.

Wigton YFC were first to take to the stage with their entertainment, “Square Eyes” produced by Lesley Pigg, Judith Watson and Rebecca Dixon. Arm-chair critics, the Noses and the Parkers reviewed the week’s tv, staying comfortably in character whilst watching dancers, politicians, weather girls and game show hosts parade before their armchairs. A very lively performance had the audience dancing and singing along in their seats.

Raughton Head YFC were the final club to take to the stage with their production of “Stranger Things”, produced by Daniel Stamper, Graham Holliday, Nicola Wilkinson – Buckle and Lucy Thomas, and involving over 30 club members ranging in age from 10 – 27. The club took the audience on a ghostly journey to the other side by way of Day of the Dead dancers, spooky sports and a rather dodgy clairvoyant to name but a few!

Afterwards, the Drigg YFC Junior Public Speaking teams gave a lively discussion on the Grassmen of Ireland and Black Knight Texels with speakers Jack and Joe talking with great passion, pride and humour about their interests. Chairmen Billy and Paddy kept the proceedings running smoothly and Proposers of the Vote of Thanks Sam and Molly rounded the proceedings off perfectly.

As the evening drew to a close, judges Helen Sibbald and Michelle Buchanan gave some excellent feedback with clubs placed as follows:

1st Raughton Head YFC

2nd Wigton YFC

Best Junior Actress: Neve and Mia, Raughton Head YFC

Best Junior Actor: The Boys from Spooky Sports, Raughton Head YFC

Best Actress: Philippa Hall, Wigton YFC

Best Actor: Will, Wigton YFC

Young farmers and their friends and supporters are now looking forward to watching all five clubs perform at the Theatre by the Lake on Sunday, February 12 2023. For anyone interested in coming along to support the young farmers, tickets are available from the Theatre by the Lake website or via the Box Office on: 01768 774411.