Here at GunsOnPegs, we're big fans of The Game Fair. Described by the Telegraph as "Glastonbury for the green welly brigade", it is a wonderful coming together of people who love the countryside, and a celebration of all that is great about shooting, fishing stalking and more. We love catching up with friends, making new ones, exploring the stands and drinking in the experiences (emphasis on drinking). Here's what we'll be doing; let us know what your Game Fair plans are in the comments!
1. Meeting our members
As usual, GunsOnPegs will be at the Game Fair, with our (hopefully heaving) stand on Gunmakers’ Row, number F3307. We hope you’ll drop in for a chat about the season ahead. Our sister company, Scribehound, will also have a stand at the Fair (B632), so make sure to drop in there too!
2. The GunsOnPegs podcast at the Carter Jonas Theatre
Once again, the GunsOnPegs podcast is making an appearance at The Game Fair. It's the audio version of the very serious chat you have in the pub after a great day’s shooting... This year, the GunsOnPegs Podcast continues to take a sideways look at the idiosyncrasies and eccentricities of game shooting. With the help of industrial quantities of both scotch and supermarket lager, GunsOnPegs'/Scribehound's Chris Horne and George Browne tackle issues both big and small.
In this special Game Fair edition, they celebrate those who go above and beyond to introduce people to shooting who otherwise wouldn’t get the opportunity. This will be taking place in The Game Fair Theatre at 4:00pm on Saturday and is not one to miss.
The GunsOnPegs Managing Director Digby Taylor will also be using our eye-opening census results at 10:30am on the Sunday in the theatre to give his forecast for pheasant, partridge and grouse prices and demand for the forthcoming season. We look forward to seeing you there!
3. Indulge in top-notch fodder
The Great Taste Market is returning to the Game Fair this year, showcasing a curated selection of Great Taste award-winning products, from around the country, including Gattertop Drinks, Le Gruyere and many more. From pheasant goujons to beers from microbreweries, you'll be spoilt by the best local artisan producers there are.
Every product is judged on taste alone at Great Taste, and the market offers a unique opportunity for food and drink enthusiasts to experience some of the best around, all sourced from the British Countryside. From sumptuous savoury foods to tasty confectioneries to delicious drinks, the market promises an extraordinary, flavour-filled experience for visitors.
4. Ogling guns on Gunmakers' Row
Whether you're in the market for a new musket or just love admiring the fruits of the gunmakers' artistry, there are few better places than The Game Fair to get your fix. From London's 'Best' gunsmiths to the leading European names and beyond, there's a gun for everyone on Gunmakers' Row.
5. The Subaru Shooting Line
The Game Fair is the most comprehensive outdoor exhibition for game and clay shooting held anywhere in the UK, and the shooting line is a perennial favourite with visitors, including us!
Run by E. J. Churchill, you can try your hand at shooting clays, whether you’re a complete novice, have had some experience or are a total pro. Instructors will show you how to hold the gun, how to stand and where to watch the target. BASC will also be providing professional tuition, but book early as it gets very busy...! A sport that anyone can try, everyone is welcome and we'd encourage everyone to have a go.
6. Thrills, spills and jaw-dropping skills in the Main Arena
A jam-packed itinerary ensures there’s always something to keep visitors entertained at the Main Arena. The action will include competitions, educational demonstrations and thrilling displays, with confirmed entertainment for 2024 including the Shetland Pony Grand National, hound parades, scurry driving, mounted Pony Club games, terrier racing and gundog demonstrations.
Pay special attention to the “Spectacle Of Equitation”. Combining highly trained horses, niche disciplines, and innovative ideas, Holly Barber and Freddy Steele have created a unique and breathtaking performance. Audiences can expect to be amazed by beautiful Lusitano horses performing in traditional costume, with dancers on the ground collaborating in an effortless dance between horse and human - a must-see.
7. Dogs, dogs and more dogs
The Game Fair is great for dog lovers. A team of experts are on hand to offer advice on anything from feeding to training to choosing the right puppy. If you’ve ever had a question about your dog, this is the place you’ll likely get it answered.
From patrons walking the ‘streets’ of the show with their four-legged friends to the Hounds Parade, terrier racing and gundog demonstrations and competitions, there are doggy opportunities everywhere. If you’re attending with your dog, why not enter them into one of the ‘have a go’ competitions?
8. The Fishing Village
We love having a wander around the fishing section of the show, giving the rods a bit of a waggle and maybe adding to our tackle collections... The River Glyme, which flows through the Blenheim Palace estate, is a beautiful place to cast a line. Check out the variety of competitions, celebrity anglers, discussions, demonstrations and have-a-go sessions.
9. The ancient art of falconry
Falconry is a fantastic fieldsport that goes back over 2000 years, and the Game Fair is a great chance to see these magnificent predators on the wing and doing their thing. Falconry is a hugely popular part of The Game Fair, and whether you are an experienced falconer or simply want to see these majestic birds up close, this is an area not to be missed.
10. 4x4 fun
A popular highlight of The Game Fair, the specially constructed 4×4 course at Blenheim Palace offers visitors the exhilarating opportunity to test drive the latest models from Isuzu, Subaru, and INEOS Grenadier. With challenging terrain, obstacles and the River Glyme to overcome, this is the perfect way to test the off-road metal of your chosen charge. Thrilling stuff!
On top of these highlights, there is so much more on offer over the three days of The Game Fair - whether you're visiting to catch up with old friends, grab a show bargain on a new gun, or just to drink in the atmosphere, it promises to be a weekend to remember!
How to attend The Game Fair
The Game Fair 2024 takes place between the 26th and the 28th of July, at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock. There are a variety of tickets and VIP packages, as well as concessions for children (children under 7 go free!). Make sure to take a look at the VIP enclosure sponsored by Investec Wealth Management for an extra-special experience. We're excited to see you there!
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