AFTER a year away the Game Fair made a popular return to Ragley Hall last weekend welcoming a record-breaking 128,000 visitors through the gates.
Under scorching sunny skies, visitors enthusiastically embraced a diverse range of countryside pursuits from international fieldsports competitions to an abundance of family fun, entertainment and bags of shopping.
A range of competitions and displays in the main arena, included the Shetland Pony Grand National, falconry demonstration, hound parade and terrier racing.
CJ’S Birds of Prey. Picture by Marcus Mingins 3125002MMR4
Celebrity guests at the show this year included broadcaster, farmer and conservationist Jimmy Doherty, mixologist Merlin Griffiths and the former footballer Vinnie Jones star of Netflix series ‘The Gentlemen’.
Expert and amateur anglers alike took to the lake to take part in a range of fishing activities. This included the return of The British Fly Casting Club’s ever-popular casting competitions.
Expert petrol heads wowed crowds once more with their entertaining and educational chainsaw display – from modern battery saws to petrol saws more than 70-years old, the social media sensations Machinery Nation put on a show.
Digby, Dougal and Darwin go for a walk with Amanda, Lucy and Victoria. Picture by Marcus Mingins 3125002MMR8
“Ragley Hall provided the perfect backdrop for what was a truly memorable Game Fair. It was great to witness so many of our visitors fully immersed in the event, celebrating our shared countryside interests.
“Thank you to all our visitors, exhibitors, sponsors and team for making it such a success,” said James Gower, MD of Stable Events, organisers of the Game Fair.
Trigger and Rosie (seven). Picture by Marcus Mingins 3125002MMR5
“This year’s Game Fair was yet again a triumph for our sector and way of life – BASC can’t wait till next year,” added British Association for Shooting and Conservation chief executive, Ian Bell.
The Game Fair returns to Ragley Hall for its 68th celebration of the countryside next year from 24 to 26 July.
