After the closure of the ill-fated CLA Game Fair the shooting industry is backing a new countryside show.
Gun trade grandees including the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), Beretta, Sako, Tikka, Steiner, Eley Hawk, Viking Arms and EJ Churchill have all lent their support to the inaugural UK Game Fair, which comes to the National Agricultural and Exhibition Centre (NAEC) Stoneleigh, from 22-24 July 2016.
Leading brands and personalities from the world of countryside pursuits and the rural life will be at the three-day event, which will feature an extensive clay pigeon line staffed by shooting instructors, and a busy Gunmakers’ Row.
Aside from the aisles of interesting stalls and retail opportunities, there will be special shooting areas for clays and airguns in which visitors will be able to take part in competitions, or get a first-time introduction to these activities.
Eley Hawk will be sponsoring a host of competitions and attractions on the clay line, including the first UK Game Fair Classic – a 50-bird English Sporting championship, and a 25-bird Sport Trap event, with prize money on offer across the classes and categories for both events.
Promatic Traps has confirmed its support for the show, which provides machines and targets for world-championship competitions and supplies the likes of the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA), FITASC and the Clay Shooting Classic – the biggest independent competition in Europe.
The No.1 independent clay pigeon shooting title, Clay Shooting, has announced that it will join the partnership with Eley Hawk, Promatic and EJ Churchill to help make the clay pigeon shooting at the UK Game Fair the best show experience of the year, with a total sponsorship package of £20,000.
The Hand Engravers Association of Great Britain will also be on-site, demonstrating the craft of gun making and engraving. Theorganisation is sponsored by two of the most famous shotgun makers in the world: Purdey& Sons and Holland & Holland.
Working dogs will be at the very heart of the UK Game Fair, with arenas, working testsand scurries all on site.Every working breed, from labradors and spaniels to terriers and lurchers, will be represented, and the display will be backed up by an impressive array of trade stands.
Editor of iShoot magazine and renowned gundog expert Peter Carr said: “The UK Game Fair will be a real rural event, a true all-encompassing English game fair with the atmosphere and sense of belonging to a fieldsports community.”
Over 100,000 visitors are expected at this exciting new three-day event, which will focus on shooting, fishing, hunting, gamekeeping, estate management, rural crafts, working dogs and food production, with celebrity chef demonstrations, tastings and competitions.
Wes Stanton, organiser of the UK Game Fair, said: “Our new event is designed to attract those who loved the CLA Game Fair as much as we did before its demise – and to introduce new people to rural pursuits too. Stoneleigh is a brilliant site on which to stage an outdoor show and we’re looking forward to welcoming game fair regulars and keen newcomers alike. Our ticket prices represent great value for money, for individuals, families and groups of friends alike.”
Other attractions at the UK Game Fair will include a Focus on Fishing area; and working dog demonstrations. There will also be the chance to go off-roading in a 4X4 on a purpose-built track.
To book tickets or become an exhibitor at The UK Game Fair 2016, go to www.ukgamefair.com
Tickets are priced from £17.50 for adults and £12.50 for young people. Under 11s go free.
