Field and Country Fair director Fiona Eastman on her new event for rural pursuits

FANS of hunting, shooting, fishing and the great outdoors will descend on Cornbury Park next month for a new event showcasing country life.

The Field & Country Fair, which runs over three days, from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 June, is set to be one of the events of the year - with a mixture of hands-on activities, exhibitors, food and entertainment.

Show Director Fiona Eastman reveals what will be going on.

The new Field & Country Fair is set to be a true celebration and coming together for country lovers and field sports enthusiasts, at Cornbury Park.

Previous visitors to the estate will know that the elegant 17th century house is surrounded by rolling parkland, lakes and a deer park. It’s truly the perfect venue for this ground-breaking new event.

About 150 high profile exhibitors will be attending the fair across the key areas of the show: Gamekeeping and Estate Management; Gunmakers’ Quarter; Game Fishing Village; Stalking; Real Food Fair; Craft Pavilion and the Retail Quarter. And just to make sure everyone attending has a fun-filled, action-packed day there is a tremendous range of features and attractions in place.

The whole family will be spoilt for choice of things to watch and take part in, from this incredible line up:

  • The Shooting Line

Aimed at both novices and experienced game and clay pigeon shooters, the Promatic sponsored Shooting Line will feature several high profile shooting schools and organisations operating different stands along the line. Each will offer tuition and coaching, with a variety of different guns to try.

Experienced shooters can hone their skills with expert coaches on hand. For complete beginners, if you have always wanted to try clay target shooting why not have a go.

  • Gundogs

This comprises the Sporting Dog Pavilion, the Working Dog Ring, the Lurcher Arena, the Gundog Eye Clinic and Canine First Aid demonstrations. There will also be a Gundog Demonstration Arena, which will feature a packed programme of activities led by renowned gundog trainer Howard Kirby. There will opportunities for owners to have their dog(s) assessed against a puppy, novice, intermediate and advanced criteria in an informal and fun way. All owners will receive an assessment award certificate along with rosettes and a goody bag (for their dog of course!). All-in-all, it will be a truly amazing, unrivalled programme of activities that will enthral and entertain visitors.

  • The Air Arms Air Rifle Range

For a small fee you can try target shooting using modern air weapons. Children under the age of 12 can have 10 shots for free (provided they are with a full paying adult).

  • Fly Casting

In the glorious setting of Cornbury's beautiful lake, take advantage of readily offered advice and tops tips from professional instructors and for anyone interested in taking up fly fishing, continuous fly casting tuition sessions will be available from top rod brands.

  • The Falconry Mews

See a variety of species of birds of prey from all around the world: kestrels, barn owls, peregrines and eagles. Sure to be one of the most popular areas of the fair, it will have mini arenas, a children’s area (where they can learn about birds of prey in the wild, take photographs and get involved in an interactive experience), a seminar tent, a superb display of birds and several falconry clubs able to give advice on how you could enjoy falconry and even take up the sport.

  • Pugs & Drummers

Find out more about the ancient practise of using pugs (ferrets) to hunt drummers (rabbits). Some of the UK’s best known rabbiting aficionados will be on hand to show you how their unique teamwork is used for wild rabbit hunting.

  • The Game Cooking Theatre

There will be a daily programme of demonstrations by the renowned chef, food writer and cookery teacher Tim Maddams and the award winning Eat Wild chef brothers Will and Calum Thompson. In addition, Jose Souto and two other innovative chefs will prepare and serve a 3-course meal ‘against the clock’ and Rachel Green will prepare both her favourite and new ideas for shoot lunches with visitor participation.

  • Meet the Experts

This is bound to be a hugely popular feature for field sports enthusiasts. Different stands will be manned by well-known names in their respective fields. Come along and get free advice and answers to any specific questions you have on:

Game and pigeon shooting

Meet the legendary George Digweed who will take questions from visitors on his extraordinary competitive achievements and give advice on improving your pigeon and game shooting.

Wildfowling

  • Demonstrations and talks on equipment, decoying, species recognition, calling, dog handling plus an exhibition of famous fowling pieces.

Deer management

Showcasing the best of British stalking, featuring the latest equipment and experts on hand to give advice on deer management - from fieldcraft to the natural history of all the UK’s deer species.

Gamekeeping

A rare opportunity to meet many of the UK’s top keepers.

  • Valuations

Holt Auctioneers will be holding two sessions per day for the public to take their shooting memorabilia for a free valuation.

  • Country Corner

Organised by Gary Richardson of Countryside Learning there will be lots for kids to do and have a go a go at including: Corn dolly making, planting activities, tree identification, story telling, felt making –using British wool to craft into flowers to take away; drawing.

Everyone with a passion for field sports, country pursuits, the rural way of life and our wonderful countryside is sure to have a really enjoyable and highly memorable day out. So why not make a day of it with family and friends! Free parking and dogs welcome!

Tickets:

Advance ticket prices:

Adult: £18.00

Student: (12 to 18) £10

Senior (65+): £16.00

On the Gate:

Adult: £20

Student: (12 to 18) £10

Senior (65+): £18

Under 12’s go free

Order tickets via the website at: fieldandcountryfair.com (no booking fees apply) or call the ticketline on:

OFFER: Buy a family ticket at just £40!

Save £20 on the gate price. Buy here....

Full show information at: www.fieldandcountryfair.com