The Game Fair

The Game Fair is an annual celebration of countryside pursuits and the Great British Countryside, held at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire since 1958. As Europe's largest outdoor countryside festival, it attracts over 100,000 visitors each year, making it a significant event in the rural calendar.

The festival offers a diverse range of activities, including gun dog handling, clay shooting, archery, fishing, falconry, and ferreting, catering to both seasoned professionals and those new to countryside sports. In addition to these activities, visitors can enjoy food and drink stalls, shopping, and outdoor activities such as off-road driving. The event also features exclusive amenities like a helipad, which serves as a private flight landing area and a commercial operation for 'park and fly' and pleasure flights.

The Game Fair has a rich history, having been hosted at 28 different country estates over the years, from Hampshire to County Durham and Powys to Dumfriesshire. It has spanned 450 acres and regularly attracts a wide range of attendees, earning it the nickname 'Glastonbury for the green welly brigade'. The event has maintained its traditional format since its inception, with gundog displays, falconry demonstrations, fly tying and casting competitions, and clay shooting challenges at its core.

In recent years, The Game Fair has undergone changes in ownership, with National Game Fair Ltd taking over in 2015, ensuring its continuation and renewed passion. The event has also seen an increase in celebrity endorsements, with well-known figures such as James Martin, JB Gill, Amanda Owen, and heavyweight cabinet politicians participating in various activities and talks.

The Game Fair is a showcase of fieldsports and country life, designed to educate and provide an opportunity for networking and socializing for those already living the rural lifestyle. It has helped make rural pursuits more mainstream and continues to attract a growing number of visitors each year. The event's carnival atmosphere, wholesome experiences, and unique offerings make it a must-attend event for anyone interested in countryside pursuits and the Great British Countryside.