Highclere Game and Country Fair

Date: 25th-26th May

Location: Highclere Castle, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 9RN

Website: www.countrymanfairs.co.uk/highclere-game-and-country-fair

The Highclere Game and Country Fair is Berkshire’s premier Country Game Fair event.

What's happening at this years game fair?

Set in the glorious “Capability Brown” designed grounds of Highclere castle, the 19th Highclere Game and Country Fair is set to be better than ever in 2014! Featuring unrivalled family entertainment, field sports events and Falconry, it draws visitors from across the Southern Counties and the Continent. If you are looking for something different this May bank holiday 2014, it is a fixture not to be missed in the summer show season.

Why is the Highclere Game & Country Fair a great event?

The Highclere Game and Country Fair is home to some of the World's most prestigious field sports competitions, and attracts competitors from across the globe.  Some of the events this year:

• Highclere have built a portfolio of gundog events that not only showcase the outstanding working characteristics of gundogs, but also are great fun for dogs and handlers alike. The Gundog Scurries and Working Test provide exceptional have-a-go opportunities. Leading up to The Mitsubishi Motors World Series Gundog Championship which features the world’s largest gun dog prize fund and the chance to win a brand new Mitsubishi ASX worth over £20,000! Also hosted is the Mitsubishi Motors Junior Handler Championship for budding gun dog enthusiasts.
   
• World cup medallist in Olympic skeet Clive Bramley from Doveridge Clay Sports will be setting the targets and running the 2014 Mitsubishi Motors Clay Shooting Festival. There are various competitions for all levels however, including shooting tuition for beginners.
   
• For the 6th year Highclere Game and Country fair is hosting Skinners International Retriever World Cup, the largest and most prestigious retriever working test in the world. Highclere Castle’s magnificent grounds have an ideal variety of woodland, parkland, field and water for the competition.
   
• Falconry; the Fair recognises the significance of this noble sport, and at the Highclere Game and Country Fair we bring together a range of interactive displays that educate and inform visitors about the birds and their heritage.
   
• Additionally, the Game Fair features some fantastic restored vintage engines, many traditional rural crafts and have-a-go activities which celebrate the best of our country heritage. 

What can we do at the game fair?

• The Main Arena showcases an unrivalled array of international demonstrators, who are each at the top of their chosen sport. These include famous names and familiar faces, many of whom are regarded as old friends by our visitors.  Fair shows blend entertainment and humour with expert knowledge: our Main Arena programme has something for all our visitors to enjoy.
   
• Lure Racing is fast, furious and involves beautiful sight hounds racing at astonishing speed, it will provide visitors with a chance to see how fast these dogs can go. Great exercise and great fun, Lure Racing is a must-see event for all racing dog enthusiasts out there!
   
• From dancing horses to multi-talented dogs, Kuchina Johnson is a fully registered equine and canine specialist bringing her superb demonstrations to this year’s Highclere Country Fair. Kuchina Johnson's dancing horses combine Spanish and classical movements and prove a truly remarkable sight. At Highclere, Kuchina will put on a display to show how the West was won, demonstrating the interaction between animals and humans whilst giving an utterly mesmerising display of equine and canine wizardry. Both entertaining and informative, Kuchina and her beautiful trained horses truly are one of kind.
   
• Highclere is proud to welcome back Ye Olde Red Tail Falconry, one of the most well known display teams in the UK. Ray and Wendy Aliker present a falconry display using music, costume and showmanship to illustrate the grace and majesty of the birds in flight. Marvel at the speed of the falcons and be amazed at Archie and Elsie the Vultures. Learn about Kestrels, Kites and the Snowy Owl as they glide effortlessly from above. Find out what it's like to be a mouse, as they fly Hibou, the European Eagle Owl – a truly unforgettable experience!
   
• Returning to Highclere Game and Country Fair by popular demand is the famous terrier racing display by Cyril the Squirrel. These crazy canine stars run riot in the ring as they perform their hilarious display. They race on the flat and over jumps, also are occasionally joined by enthusiastic miniature jockeys! Witness the unique highlight of the show when these little daredevils perform the famous "Ring of Fire." For pure entertainment this display is top of the list. These tenacious little terriers will amuse and delight with their unpredictable antics as they race around chasing that illusive hare.
   
• Discover the secrets behind one of the most skilled forms of field craft in the Country Fair Main Arena as Master Nets man Brian ‘Brin’ Brinded demonstrates the ancient art of long-netting. Long-netting is one of the oldest methods of controlling rabbit populations, and is considered by many to be the most efficient and humane way. Brin’s twice daily display shows the use of long-netting systems, with intrepid toy rabbits putting the nets to good use. Whether the terriers will co-operate as well is anyone’s guess! You’ll also get the chance to try long netting for yourself.

In addition to the scintillating shows, kids activities and things to do, there is a vast array of exhibitors at this year’s Highclere Country Fair, helping to create the unique atmosphere for which the Highclere Country Fair is renowned. Including:
 

• The Food Fayre on show ranges from Liquors, quality meats, cakes, fine Caviar and everything in between. Whether you are a carnivore or connoisseur, sweet toothed or a fruit loop there is something for everyone to enjoy and take home to share with others.
   
• Fashionistas and country misters alike are all catered for and will find something unique to choose from the great range of jewellery, quality clothing and accessories available. You may even leave the show attired for any occasion!
   
• There is so much more too, with an incredible range of hand carved furniture, many forms of artistry, shooting accessories and practical equipment of all kinds; show-goers will find it hard to leave with their hands empty!
   

Where is the Highclare Game & Country Fair at?

Gates open at 8am, Gates close at 6pm (Last entry 3.30pm).

2014 Admission Prices:

On the day admission prices:

• Adult    £15.00
• Child (15 and under)   FREE (when accompanied by a full paying adult)
• Event Programme  £2.00

Advance ticket booking:

• Adult    £13.00       - save £2.00!
• Child     Free (When accompanied by a full paying adult)
• Adult Weekend Ticket  £24.00

Disabled Access and Information

There is a dedicated disabled car park at the Highclere Game and Country Fair. To access the Car Park please follow the directional signs for disabled parking on the approach to Highclere Castle.
Dogs are more than welcome, whether they are competing or not!