Top Things To Do & See at The Game Fair 2018

There is so much to see and do, there is something for everyone, so here are just a few of the highlights for this weekend:

1. The Game Fair’s Museum of Curiosities

The Game Fair's first-ever museum, to celebrate its 60th anniversary, will be a fascinating blast from the past. Showcasing paraphernalia of yesteryear, it will include interesting items and facts from around The Game Fair, including shooting, fishing, falconry, gundogs and more. The museum will be curated by writer and broadcaster Bill Harriman, a regular on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow who has been director of firearms at the British Association for Shooting & Conservation for more than 25 years. 

2. Gundog Area

Gundogs are integral to The Game Fair and visitors will be able to watch exciting demonstrations and learn from top UK and European trainers in the Working Dog Arena, meet over 20 gundog breeds in the Sporting Dog Pavilion and also have-a-go with their own dogs in the scurry, pick-up and scramble events. The very best dogs and handlers from around the UK will again compete in the Home International, where England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland go head-to-head to fight it out for this prestigious trophy. Teams are travelling from around Europe to take on England in The Euro Challenge on Friday. Whether you favour Labradors, spaniels, terriers or any of the other popular breeds, you will be in good company and if you are not sure which dog is best suited to your lifestyle, then head straight to the Kennel Club, where you will be able to get all the advice you need.

3. The Falconry Village

The new Falconry Village will include the largest selection of birds of prey ever seen at a UK event and will be a central attraction at this year’s event, with exciting demonstrations in the new flying ring, specialist falconry traders, artists, and UK falconry clubs on hand to give advice. The seminar area will include talks from top experts and an education tent will ensure that children learn about falconry and birds of prey through fun activities. The British Falconers’ Club re-enactment area will take visitors back in time to The Game Fair in 1958, when the club was part of the original line up. So whether you are an experienced falconer, want to learn more about it or simply want to see these majestic birds fly, this is an area not to be missed.

4. Fishing Village

World champion fly caster Hywel Morgan and other big names will be showing off their skills in one of two dedicated casting pools for demonstrations as angling takes centre stage with a new and improved Fishing Village at the heart of the event. Located between the two casting pools, The Fishing Theatre is an exciting new addition too. Compèred by a well-known angling celebrity, a string of award-winning speakers and exclusive films are being lined-up throughout the three days. Set in stunning surroundings within the main show, the Fishing Village will give visitors the chance to see the latest tackle from the world’s top brands and try before you buy. If that whets your appetite to wet a line then you can head to Ragley Hall’s picturesque lake where you can have-a-go yourself and pick-up some tips from the coarse fishing instructors. With a well-stocked lake, there’s sure to be plenty caught during the weekend.

5. The Subaru Shooting Line

The offering for shooters will be even bigger and better this year, with the Subaru Shooting Line the place to be. The largest of its kind in Europe, it stretches out half a kilometre long. Visitors will have an opportunity to compete for a fantastic prize in The Game Fair Sporting Challenge, a 60-bird sporting clay competition, open to Novice as well as Open shooters. Individuals or two-person teams will have the chance to enter a flush shoot for rabbit, crazy quail, grouse, crow or high bird. For those who are new to clays, the pool shoot competition will provide fast-fire fun. Look out for the Colts Challenge and Champion of Champions finals too. Plus, in aid of The Game Fair’s nominated charity, everyone will be able to bid on shooting with their favourite celebrity as well as a well-known shooting professional in the Pro-Am team challenge. For both adults and children who may have never shot before CPSA will be on hand hosting have-a-go events and tuition throughout the weekend.  

6. The Game Fair Sporting Challenge

Shooting enthusiasts will have an opportunity to compete for a fantastic prize in The Game Fair Sporting Challenge, a 60-bird sporting clay competition to mark the countryside festival’s diamond anniversary. Held over all three days at the Subaru Shooting Line, the challenge is expected to attract a stellar entry list. Entry costs £28, re-entry is £20, or you can pay £45 for two attempts. There will be prizes each day in novice and open classes. If you’d rather watch, this is a great chance to see the best clay shooters in the business battle it out under pressure for a share of a lucrative overall prize in the final on the Sunday.

7. International Farrier Competition 

The Shoeing Lab Championships promises to be great to spectate, with lots of action and plenty of skills on show. Competitors from around the world will be tasked with replicating a specimen shoe against the clock and will be judged on quality and dimensions. After four eliminating heats, the eight talented finalists will then meet on Sunday 29 July to compete at actually shoeing a horse against the clock. An amazing £5,000 cash prize fund means there will be lots of interest from the best in the business.

8. The Carter Jonas Game Fair Theatre

The effervescent host of Fieldsports Channel, Charlie Jacoby, will compère all three days of lively discussions and TV-style chat shows, which will include some meaty political debate at the theatre, supported once again by Carter Jonas. Countryside Alliance’s animal welfare consultant Jim Barrington and BASC chief executive Ian Bell will be among the panellists discussing issues which range from re-wilding in Scotland to living a ‘sub-zero’ self-sufficient life. There will also be a smattering of lighthearted talks and book signings from big-name writers.

9. The Field Kitchen Theatre

Who doesn’t enjoy delicious food? Bringing together fieldsport personalities with some of Britain’s top chefs, the kitchen theatre is a celebration of game cookery, where visitors of all ages will be able to watch how to prepare simple and tasty dishes, as well as learn about food provenance, sustainability and best practice not only from chefs but also the people who shoot, fish, hunt and forage. Now incorporating BASC’s ‘Taste of Game’ and their new Game Changer project, which aims to teach school children how to cook game, The Field Kitchen Theatre, sponsored this year by Alaska Seafood, will again be the destination for visitors.

10. The James Martin Game Fayre Restaurant 

The 300-cover restaurant, located at the very heart of the venue, is expected to be more popular than ever this year, with celebrity chef, author and television presenter James Martin sharing his passion and enthusiasm for the British countryside and cooking with game. The menu he has created has been inspired by the best natural ingredients, plus James will be mingling with diners over the weekend.

11. Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club

The legendary jazz venue is coming to The Game Fair for two nights of live music, carnival and celebration to mark the event’s 60th anniversary. Ronnie Scott’s Big Band, comprising of some of the finest jazz and swing talent in the UK, will be entertaining the crowds on the Friday night. Meanwhile, Saturday evening will see a Ronnie Scott’s Soul Family party featuring soul, motown and funk, fronted by MOBO-nominated vocalist Natalie Williams and boasting an incredible line-up of artists. With supper created by celebrity chef James Martin, including dishes such as pheasant curry and Kentucky fried rabbit, these nights are set to be a key part of the anniversary celebrations.

12. Shopping

For three days every year, The Game Fair becomes one of the biggest retail areas in the UK with more than 800 stands. All the key Country brands will be in residence, with the best products, exciting launches and unbeatable deals.

13. Socialising

After taking in the sights and sounds, there is ample opportunity to relax with a pint or a cocktail in pop-up bars all around the showground. The main attractions this year will be the Hare & Hound Pub in the gundogs area; Gunmakers' Pub on Gunmakers’ Row; GunsOnPegs Bar in The Game Fair Enclosure; and the bar at The James Martin Game Fayre Restaurant.

Need to know

Located eight miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, Ragley Hall is just off the A435/A46. All car parking is located at the magnificent Ragley Hall estate and is free. If you want a much shorter walk you can pay £20 for forward parking or £40 for in-show parking, which includes a complimentary tea or coffee on arrival and gets your vehicle within the perimeter of the show.

Where: Ragley Hall, Warwickshire (follow the AA signs)
When: Friday, 27 July to Sunday, 29 July (6am to 6pm, to 7:30pm on the Friday. Stands and attractions open from 9am) 
Ticket prices:

• Adult: £27 in advance (Gate price £34)
• Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £67 in advance (Gate price £80)
• Senior/Student/Military: £25 in advance (Gate price £32)
• Children (8-16): £10 
• Under 8s: free

Complimentary entry for BASC members. Special rates for members of CLA, CPSA, NFU, and Kennel Club. See website for details. Premium ticket packages with exclusive access to luxury facilities are also available. 

Website: www.thegamefair.org

Contact: info@thegamefair.org / 01707 252707

GunsOnPegs will be at The Game Fair all weekend at their Shoot Lodge and Bar, located next to the Main Enclosure.