The Game Fair: Festival Of The British Countryside

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

THE GAME FAIR – THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE COUNTRYSIDE CALENDAR

What is the Game Fair, and where is it held?

The Game Fair is the world’s largest celebration of British field sports and country life. Held each year at either Ragley Hall in Warwickshire or Hatfield House, Hertfordshire – two stunning backdrops that set the tone for the spectacle dubbed as ‘Glastonbury for the green welly brigade’ by The Telegraph.

two side by side images of Ragley hall in Warwickshire and Hatfield House in Hertfordshire — RAGLEY HALL, WARWICKSHIRE & HATFIELD HOUSE, HERTFORDSHIRE

What makes the Game Fair so impressive is the sheer scale and breadth of the show. It encompasses every field sport imaginable, with leading experts from each field gathering together in one place. The authority that this brings to the event means if you are only going to visit one Game Fair – this is the one to attend. The atmosphere is exciting, the mood is celebratory and whatever the weather the event is always thoroughly enjoyable.

The Game Fair is also uniquely inclusive – whether you are a seasoned attendee with a thorough knowledge of your sport or someone completely new to the event, there is something for everyone.

What events happen at the Game Fair?

Country Sports

Country sports are showcased across the fair, with large sections dedicated to each. If this is your first time at the event it is worth going through the itinerary (very much like Glastonbury) to make sure you get to see as much as possible. The different arenas will all have events happening throughout each day, so it is worth highlighting what you don’t want to miss and building your day around these.

A sign depicting the races at the main arena of a game fair — EVENTS IN THE MAIN ARENA – ONE OF THE MANY PLACES TO SEE THE COUNTRYSIDE IN ACTION AT THE FAIR

Gunmakers Row

Gunmakers’ Row^® is the place to view the best and newest products from British gunmakers, including our friends Longthorne Guns as well as renowned names from around the world. All of the premier shooting-related companies are here in one place, offering every accessory imaginable from knives to clothing.

Shooting Exhibition

It also boasts the most comprehensive outdoor shooting exhibition held anywhere in the UK, with a jam-packed itinerary for all lovers of shooting including clay, rifle and airgun shooting with have-a-go events, demonstrations and competitions. The Shooting Arena takes centre stage and is home to display shooting, trick-shots, demonstrations, master classes, heritage shooting and nail-biting finals of all main competitions. The Shooting Line has been designed with layouts suitable for everyone – whether you are a novice looking to try something new, or a seasoned pro looking to challenge your skills. The Fair also has a secure gun store on Gunmakers Row, so you can bring your own gun with you (or buy a new one…)

An shooting instructor coaching a woman how to fire a shot — TRY YOUR HAND AT SHOOTING OR TEST YOUR SKILL WITH GAME FAIR EXPERT INSTRUCTORS

Equine Events

The Horses & Hounds Area and the dedicated ring are the perfect places to stop and discover everything equine, from how to get started to chatting with fellow riders and picking up tips, while browsing stands specialising in everything you could need for your horse. Including Pony Clubs, Polo, Heavy Horses and Riding for the Disabled, there’s plenty to see throughout the weekend.

Two female riders on two black and white horses at an equine event — THE HORSES AND HOUNDS AREA ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FAIR

The Hound Exhibition

The Hound Exhibition within the area offers an unrivalled opportunity to meet some of the key breeds prevalent in today’s countryside. Come and see some of the packs from across the UK, including foxhounds, beagles, basset hounds and bloodhounds.

A dog running through a field after with a pheasant in it's mouth — WATCH GUN DOGS IN ACTION PICKING UP, AND PICK UP SOME TIPS ON TRAINING YOUR OWN!

The Fishing Village

The Fishing Village is situated right next to Gunmakers Row^®. Whether you want to see the latest tackle, get some tips from the experts, watch the biggest names in the sport demonstrating their skills or simply cast a line (and catch a fish) then the Fishing Village is for you. The Countryside Alliance, Environment Agency, Game Angling Instructors Association, Canal and Rivers Trust, Severn Rivers Trust, English Disabled Fishing Association, and Anglers National Line Recycling. will all be in attendance at the event.

A woman throwing a fishing line into a lake whilst stood on a pontoon — CAST A LINE AND CATCH A FISH ON THE LAKE OR WATCH THE EXPERTS IN ACTION

The Game Fair Kitchen

The Game Fair Kitchen Theatre celebrates the best of British food. This has always been at the heart of The Game Fair® and every year visitors flock to the theatre to be inspired by well-known chefs and cookery experts. Taste of Game, supported by BASC, encourages consumers to eat game meat. It informs people about local and natural produce that has been harvested or hunted, encouraging the sustainable, best practice use of wild and natural food.

A lady in a red shirt holding a plate of freshly cooked pheasant at a countryside event — INSPIRATIONAL FIELD COOKING IN THE KITCHEN THEATRE

Country Pursuits

On top of these specialist areas, the main arena plays host to a multitude of other country pursuits, including breathtaking falconry displays, noble Shire horses and the exhilarating Shetland Pony Grand National!

A picture of a hawk mid flight during a birds of prey demonstration about to land on a podium — SPECTACULAR BIRDS OF PREY IN THE MAIN ARENA

Three young girls riding ponies, one brown, one white and one black. — SHETLAND PONY GRAND NATIONAL – JUST AS EXCITING, ONLY SMALLER

The Shopping Village

Apart from the sports and country pursuits is the other great pull of the Game Fair. Filled with the best of country brands, including British made produce, paintings, furniture and of course country clothing. Cordings show their complete country collection each year at the show, and the store is manned with our staff from both our Piccadilly and Harrogate stores, ensuring that you get the same level of expertise and service you expect from us. Like many other retailers, we often have ‘show specials’ so it is the perfect opportunity to save whilst stocking up for the coming season. Our men’s jackets and ladies jackets collection are always supremely popular at the event, and we replicate our trouser and shirt walls on our stand. We would love to see you at the event, and catch up on your experience whilst showing you our latest collection.