Top 10 things to do at the new-look Northern Shooting Show

Now under the management of the team behind The Game Fair, The Northern Shooting Show is gearing up to welcome a record number of visitors this spring following last year’s cancellation due to COVID-19. 

The two-day event, which is being held on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 May at Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate, will offer 20,000 visitors from all over the country the chance to try a huge variety of shooting and countryside activities. We've had a look through the event programme and picked out our top ten things for you to take in over the course of the weekend.

1. The Gamebore Cartridges clay line

Gamebore, the UK's favourite cartridge brand, are the sponsors of the clay line, which plays host to a number of attractions at this year's show. For newcomers to shooting there is a 'have a go' stand run by The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association, while for more experienced shots BASC are offering game shooting lessons with qualified coaches. If you have a competititive streak in you, put your skills to the test in the Northern 50 Bird Sporting Championship, take on the Steel Plate Challenge, or try your hand at the Starshot Shooting - the clay shooting equivalent of darts!

2. Hunt & Hall Ladies Lounge

New for 2022 is the Ladies' Lounge, sponsored by new British clothing brand Hunt & Hall. Founded by Natalie Harper, the former stylist for footwear brand Fairfax and Favour, Hunt & Hall is a new clothing brand combining heritage and high quality to create effotless countryside style. Visitors can explore the new summer rnage, which will be launched over the weekend, enjoy fizz and canapés as well as meet the Natalie herself. The Country Girls UK will also be on hand to chat ladies' shooting.

3. The Gundog Field

Always a popular attraction for visitors, the Gundog Field will play host to both demonstration and competitions throughout the weekend. Visitors can enter their own dogs for the Gundog Scurry, which has a section for handlers under 18 years of age, as well the Long Retrieve and Working Test. Or, you can simply enjoy some demonstrations and watch the competitions unfold.

4. The Hunter Field Target Championships

Hunter Field Targets requires shooters to take aim at a range of targets at varying distances using airguns. On Saurday Northern Shooting Show visitors can attempt to knock down the 30 steel targets set among the woodland, and on Sunday the HFT championships will take place, showcasing 150 of the best shooters in the country, as well as classes for the general public and juniors to compete for prizes provided by Vortex Optics. 

5. All Things Airguns

If that has whet your air-gunning appetite, a visit to the Central Exhibition Hall is a must. Here's you'll find Airgun Central, where you can expect to find leading airgun brands like Air Arms and Weihrauch showing off the latest in air gun technology, plus show specials and deals.

6. The Rifle Zone

If you prefer a bit more bang to your rifle shooting, The Rifle Zone is the place for you. Whether you’re into stalking, target shooting or vermin control, the Rifle Zone is a melting pot for all rifle disciplines with a unique opportunity to check out the vast array of rifles along with some of the best custom builders in the country.

7. The Bushcraft Area

The Bushcraft area offers adults and kids alike the chance to learn a wide range of traditional outdoor, hunting and survival skills aimed at helping people survive and thrive in the natural environment: have a go yourself or just enjoy the demonstrations

8. The Yorkshire Auctioneer

Have you got Grandad's old gun in the cabinet and wonder what it might be worth? Do you just like rare and unusual gunsTV presenter and popular auctioneer Angus Ashworth will be working with Ryedale Auctioneers to value guns at this year’s event.

9. The NGO Gamekeepers’ Row

Sponsored by the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, Gamekeepers’ Row reflects the rich shooting and fieldsports heritage of the Yorkshire area and offers visitors the chance to learn more about gamekeeping.

10. The Airsoft Experience

Fancy yourself as the next Andy McNab? Get yourself over to the Airsoft Experience to get a feel for the fast-paced world of combat simulation! 

With these and a whole lot more, the new-look Northern Shooting Show is set to be a fantastic weekend for anyone with a passion for or curiosity about the countryside and shooting, whether that's gundog training or driven game shooting, target shooting or pest control, or anything in between. Adult tickets are £15 in advance for one day or £29 for two days (BASC members receive complimentary entry), while anyone aged 15 and under enjoys free admission thanks to BASC.
Grab your tickets today.