CLA Game Fair

Date: 18th-20th July

Location: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP

Website: www.gamefair.co.uk

If you love the countryside you will love the CLA Game Fair! Tradition, sport, celebration and style will combine in a glorious setting at Belvoir Castle Estate, where the CLA Game Fair returns for the third time in its proud fifty four year history. Explore the very best that the British countryside has to offer including a host of features, new competitions, and plenty to get involved in from shooting to shopping, fishing to real food, dogs, horses, gardens and so much more! Discover why there’s something for everyone at an event which is not just one of the biggest fairs in the UK, but is the world’s largest game fair!
 

Why is it such a special event?

A focus on Country sports


The CLA Country Game Fair offers visitors an unrivalled opportunity to see first hand and learn more about country sports. Whether you are a sporting enthusiast, country lover, competitor, or someone working in this field, there is something of interest for everyone. With numerous displays and demonstrations taking place each day there is also lots on offer that will entertain and amuse. 

  • Express Eventing is a spectacular, exciting and fast-moving version of the sport of Eventing! Providing a mix of interesting insight to equestrianism and in particular the skills demanded, it consists of three arena-based disciplines: ‘dressage to music’, cross country and show jumping and a flavour of all three phases will be recreated in the Express Eventing Arena at the CLA Game Fair. There will also be some entertaining competition in the form of a rider challenge featuring two leading previous competitors.
     
  • The ancient sport of Falconry has always been one of the core areas of The Country Fair, and at the CLA Country Game Fair is the largest UK gathering of Hawk, Falconry and Owl will be on display.  There will be opportunities to see different birds of prey and learn the basics of the sport plus specialist exhibitors will be on hand to give advice on all aspects of falconry.  Do not miss awesome displays of free flying birds taking place every morning and afternoon from Steve McGennis and Colin Woolf.
     
  • Ferrets have always been extremely popular at The Game and Country Fair and this year with Liam Brinded of 'A Business of Ferrets' organizing the stand 2012 is set to be no exception. With live displays, interactive sessions, and plenty of advice of offer, the Ferret Stand is perfect for pet owners, enthusiasts and owners of working animals alike.
     
  • A traditional and environmentally friendly country pursuit, Pugs and Drummers explain the ins and outs of controlling rabbits with ferrets. The pugs and drummers stand is overflowing with advice and expert knowledge on rabbiting, ferret welfare and training, and even cooking and preparing rabbit.
     
  • Field Archery is a fantastic activity for all the family and a thriving sport with national and international competitions. Targets are placed in a woodland setting, have a go with life sized targets and find out about your local clubs.
     
  • As the leading country sport and countryside event, The CLA Game Fair provides the annual platform for topical rural issues to be debated. The panel of speakers is drawn from the media, countryside organisations and well known personalities.
     
  • The Game Fair is recognised as the leading Game Fishing event in the UK.  One hundred of the leading fishing retailers will be with us, letting you try before you buy in the rod testing area, learn from the best and get all the advice you need in picking up the latest of kit. The House of Fishing will this year deliver a fantastic programme of demonstrations, debates, displays and talks on all aspects of fishing. Whatever your sport: game, saltwater, freshwater, sea, carp or coarse angling the Game Fair is a place to have a go, learn a new sport or simply enjoy the lake stocked with Bream, Perch and Tench.
     
  • The Gundog Area at The CLA Game and Country Fair has long been recognised as the premier summer gundog event. A fantastic weekend line up of world class events will be showcased this year at Gundogs. No matter your level, you are sure to learn from our expert teams and their dogs. From novice handling sessions to watching some of the country’s best gundogs compete in field trials, the Game Fair has once again expanded its Gundog area to keep everyone entertained. 
     
  • The International Arena will host the Euro Challenge on Friday featuring teams from Austria, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Great Britain, Belgium and the Netherlands, running both retrievers and spaniels.
     
  • A full day of fantastic events will include Spaniel Demonstrations from Edward Martin and Joe Hipwell, Retriever Demonstrations from John Halsted and across the weekend be wowed by exciting international competitions. Learn from the best as Neil Varney covers key aspects of spaniel training from first introductions to training in the field, this will be a session certainly not to be missed!
     
  • Lurchers are a cross breed dog bred for speed, stamina, agility and brains and are used predominantly for pest control, usually rabbits. The demonstrations and activities in this area are designed to show all of these traits.
     
  • The Kennel Club Zone provides an entertaining and informative feature for all dog owners and enthusiasts. Experts are on hand to give advice on buying a dog, choosing a breed and the general care and health of dogs. Bring your own working or gundog along, have its eyes checked and receive advice from one of the UK’s top veterinary ophthalmologists.


What can we do there?


There are so many activities and country sports that visitors can try for themselves at The Country Fair, whatever their level of expertise. Experts are on hand to offer first class tuition and advice. Without doubt an experience to remember!

  • Land Rover will offer visitors an exciting opportunity to sit with an experienced driver and experience 4 x 4 driving over the rough terrain of a challenging 4 x 4 course.
     
  • Clay shooting - This ever popular section of fair shows provides an excellent opportunity for newcomers and experienced shooters alike to experience something new. Beginners will have the chance to try shooting for the first time, whilst for those that already shoot, expert advice and tips will be readily available. All equipment, including gun, is provided. Organisations will be on hand to offer advice and instructions, ensuring you have an experience to remember!
     
  • Always a popular attraction for the amateur dog handler, a full programme of gundog events will include Scurry, Pick Up, Scramble and BASC events. New for this year is the CLA Gundog of the Year Competition (please enter online in advance). Come and have a go with your own dog, any breed welcome. For these competitions it is not necessary to have a trained gundog - just come and have some fun!
     
  • The Target Shooting stands, organised by the National Target Shooting Association (NTSA), are very often the starting point for visitors wanting an introduction to shooting.
     
  • The CLA Game Fair is The Event for Landowners, Gamekeepers, Shoot Managers and other Land Professionals and the Rural Business area will encompass all aspects of these key roles in supporting our countryside. The Rural Business area includes Renewable Energies, Gamekeepers Row, Woodland and forestry and Estate Management and is an essential for expert advice, and all the latest equipment.
     
  • Gamekeepers Row is one of the most popular areas of the show and is perfect for anyone interested in shooting or involved in shoot management. With fantastic informative displays from the British Association for Shooting and Conservation and the National Gamekeepers Organisation and new interactive displays from the Game Farmers Association one is sure to come away illuminated and informed on all aspects of Game keeping and the management of a successful shoot.


Charity Auction


In 2012, Orvis, America's oldest mail order outfitter is celebrating 30 years in the UK by holding the first ever CLA Game Fair charity auction. The Ultimate Country Sports Charity Auction will feature a host of tempting lots, all without reserve, including many Fly Fishing related items and experiences. Top of the bill is an all expenses paid, saltwater fly fishing trip for 2 at the renowned “El Pescador” lodge in Belize, including flights. Top of the range outfits, a limited edition Orvis bamboo fly rod and a presentation selection of over 200 hand tied flies from Fulling Mill are some of the many equipment lots in the sale and the auction is by no means limited to fishing - country clothing from Cordings, Barbour and Hunter are included, along with cases of SpeyBurn whisky and a fine leather double gun slip. Wielding the hammer on the day is celebrity auctioneer Charlie Ross from the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip – the sale takes place at 15.30 on Saturday 21st July in The House of Fishing. 


Arenas


We have number of arenas for visitors to enjoy displays and championships and gain an insight into various aspects of country pursuits

The 2014 Arena line up is sure to thrill and includes:
  • Sovereign Quarter Horses - a demonstration of very skillful Western riding techniques, with beautiful American Quarter Horses. 
     
  • Flying Foxes Side Saddle Display Team - be kept on the edge of your seat by these daring ladies!
     
  • Royal Army Physical Training Corps - based at the Army School of Physical Training (ASPT) in Aldershot, RAPTC instructors are attached to every battalion and regiment in the British Army and in 2010 the RAPTC celebrated its 150th Anniversary.  Olympic medallist Kriss Akabusi was a Warrant Officer Class 2 in the RAPTC and Kelly Holmes a qualified PTI!
     
  • Elaine Hill Sheepdog Display - marvel at this amusing and informative display provided by Elaine and her Border Collies working geese, ducks and ducklings.  Great for children, who are invited to take part.
     
  • Parade of Hounds - experience the passion, excitement and colour of the chase.
     
  • Falconry Flying Display - witness the speed, agility and grace of our beautiful birds of prey.
     
  • Nuneaton Dog Display Team - learn the fundamentals of dog training - patience, kindness, firmness and persistence. The demonstration ends with a display from Asha, the dancing dog! 
     
  • Heavy Horse Musical Drive and Obstacle Driving Competition - be amazed at the precision achieved by these magnificent beasts.
     
  • Chris Green Countryman - this well known wildlife presenter will present all of the necessary skills to carry out the sport of Wildfowling, in his own unique and often hilarious style!


Horses


Some of the country’s key equine organisations have come together to produce a fun packed, informative and exciting programme of events at the Hooked on Horses arena at The Game Fair 2014.
  • Jive Pony - this young, energetic team presents a totally unique show incorporating dancing horses, world class vaulting, gymnastic skills, Roman riding and high speed equestrian stunts!
     
  • British Racing School - located in Newmarket, the school is the centre of excellence for training in the racehorse industry and homes over 70 ex-racehorses plus has state of the art gallops, accommodation and training aids.
     
  • Doug Joiner Horse Logging Demonstration -  working with horses, with their flexible power and delicacy, a quality of woodland management that can hardly be equalled by other means can be achieved and is a skill that Doug still practices today and demonstrates in his display.  The horses he works with are 'Ella' a 17 hands high Percheron mare will be demonstrating at the CLA Game Fair.
     
  • Riding for the Disabled Display - at RDA, horses and ponies provide therapy, achievement and enjoyment to people with disabilities all over the UK.  Activities such as riding, carriage driving, vaulting and show jumping are organised for to up to 28,000 people each year.
     
  • The Pony Club – Is an international voluntary youth organisation for young people interested in ponies and riding. Founded in England in 1929, and granted independent charitable status on 1st January 1997, there are around 345 Branches and 600 Centres in the UK alone. The Pony Club has been the starting point for a large majority of equestrian team members and medal winners.
     
  • Farrier at Work - see the skills of our talented working Farrier, carrying out live shoeing as he demonstrates his ancient craft
  • Art and sculpture - Some of the country’s leading artists will be once again exhibiting at this year’s CLA Game Fair, from beautiful landscapes to breathtaking sculpture the show weekend is a great chance to obtain some much sought after pieces from world renowned talents. See artists such as Sally Mitchell as she works live on site at the ‘Caught on Canvas’ feature and admire the works of masters such as Terence Lambert, Sam Macdonald, Owen Williams, Laury Dizengremel and Ben Hoskyns to name but a selection. Get the chance to talk to the artists themselves, learn as they demonstrate their skills and purchase a special piece of your own.
     
  • The CLA Game Fair has an action packed programme of events, have-a-go activities and features for children of all ages to enjoy, ensuring the whole family has a hugely memorable day. In addition to the exciting have-a-go activities already on offer, this year we are also offering Active Adventure outdoor activities, for 6-12 year olds.  The two hour sessions will include adventurous activities for budding survival experts such as team building, problem solving, camp crafts, fire lighting, shelter building and low ropes! For younger children (3-5 year olds) there will be one hour free play sessions including access to soft play equipment, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, building equipment and much more! PLUS our favourite Battlefield Live laser tag game will be back for ages 6+! So much fun - beware - parents may not want to leave! 
The Exploring Nature feature showcases some of these important organisations:
  • Stonefield Owl Rescue is dedicated to rescuing injured and sick owls.  Their experts are on hand to explain their habitats and feeding patterns, and there are photo opportunities with these beautiful birds for a small donation. 
     
  • A fascinating glimpse into the wonderful world of Bees with Beeware. Interactive fun for all the family and a great display of honey products, which are available to buy. 
     
  • The BWA is an association of enthusiasts interested in keeping, breeding and conserving all kinds of waterfowl including wildfowl, domestic ducks and geese.  It is dedicated to education about waterfowl and the need for their conservation, as well as to raising the standards of keeping and breeding ducks, geese and swans in captivity. 
     
  • The mission of the CFE is to educate, inform and inspire children, teachers and parents, so that they can enjoy and appreciate the countryside while having a greater understanding of the wide range of issues surrounding it.  They are providing an array of creative activities for children that will build on what they have learnt within this feature.
     
  • Alyn English is one of only two animal trackers operating in the UK.  He is demonstrating the skills needed and the pleasure to be gained from his ancient craft, as well as other bushcraft skills.
     
  • The National Hedge Laying Society is dedicated to improving the understanding of hedgerows and also the standards of hedgerow management throughout the UK.
     
  • The Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime UK brings together organisations who provide effective enforcement to reduce wildlife crime.  It also aims to make people more aware of the problems that face wildlife today.


Others

  • For those with an inquisitive mind and an interest in the history of our planet, Leicestershire Council bring the perfect archaeological feature to this year’s show.  Take part and search for fossils, bones and treasure using professional tools in our very own Game Fair Dig.  Staff will also be on hand to answer any questions and demonstrations will be held throughout the day.
     
  • One lucky visitor to this year's event will have the chance to land £10,000 in a new competition! One of the lakes at the event will be stocked with bream, tench and perch, one of which will be humanely marked with the £10k-prize pot symbol. Competitors will be given a 10-minute slot to cast for the fish and whoever catches it will carry away the prize. If no one nets the lucky fish, all those entering the competition will be put into a prize draw for the cash which will be presented to the winner on the Sunday afternoon of the show.
     
  • Hardys Cottage Garden Plants specialise in cottage garden perennials.  Rosy Hardy will be on site to give expert advice and also display a wide range of plants.
     
  • Bluebell Nursery specialise in unusual trees and shrubs.  Robert Vernon will be on site to give expert advice not only on individual plants but also on how to build up an arboretum.
     
  • Longacre Plants specialise in unusual woodland plants and general plants for shade.  Nigel Rowland will be on site to give expert advice and display a wide range of plants
     
  • Calleva Stick Dressers are a group promoting and encouraging the craft of stick making (walking sticks, crooks & thumb sticks etc) and the aims and activities of the British Stick makers Guild. They will be demonstrating throughout the show.
     
  • Martin Symes is a wheelwright who will have a display of old style carts and garden furniture/games. He will be demonstrating woodturning.


Lady’s Day


Female visitors to the CLA Game Fair this year will get the chance to add a touch more glamour to this year's event with the launch of The Lady's Day on 21st July. Organised in conjunction with The Lady magazine, judges will award a top prize of tickets on the legendary Orient Express from Venice to London for the visitor felt to be the best dressed on the day. Spotters will circulate around the event inviting potential winners to The Lady’s stand for judging during the afternoon. Prizes will be awarded to the most elegantly dressed in the categories of “The Social Lady” (stylishly dressed for a special event) and “The Country Lady” (practically but elegantly dressed, for a day in the British countryside). Both will win a £250 shopping voucher!

 
Exhibitors


With over 900 Exhibitors at the show the shopping opportunities at the CLA Game Fair are vast. Whether you're looking for the perfect gift, country sports equipment, country clothing, lifestyle accessories or a fantastic holiday, you'll find everything you need on the showground.
  • Run on behalf of the CLA Game Fair by the Royal British Legion and Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, the Shop and Drop service means if you've found you've bought too much to carry, you'll be able to leave your purchases safely whilst you suss out more bargains.
     
  • Visitors to the CLA Game Fair will enjoy a different type of sporting action with demonstrations of top lumberjack skills (Friday and Saturday) and the inaugural Great British Championship of taking place on the Sunday. Six exciting disciplines make up Stihl Timber sports: the Underhand Chop, Standing Block Chop, STIHL Stock Saw, Single Buck, Springboard and the always appealing (and noisy!) Hot Saw. Technically as well as physically demanding, each event tests athletes’ handling of an axe or chain saw and their skill with wood. What is more, each discipline is a real thrill to watch with competitors racing to cut through great hunks of wood (some taking three slices off with a chainsaw in under six seconds), hopping up onto planks more than 2.5m high and wielding literally razor sharp axes with centimetre-tight accuracy and skill.
     
  • The Totally Food Show highlights the important role played by the many specialist and regional food producers in today's market place. A wealth of Regional Food Groups and other exhibitors make this an exciting, informative and 'mouth watering' area. There is also the lively Demonstration Theatre featuring a wide range of chefs in action and opportunities to taste their dishes and accompanying drinks.
     
  • Passionate, bespoke food producers, who source their ingredients from within the UK, can be found at the Local Food Market and British Food Fair. The exhibitors must fulfil certain criteria to be accepted in these areas, including the ability to supply proof of provenance. We recommend you stop by for lunch as there will be an array of choice, including hog roast, oysters’ hot game sandwiches and the authentic Melton Mowbray Pork Pies.

Visit the official website for up to date information!

 

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