Your Guide to the Midland Game Fair: The Midland Game Fair, Weston Park, Shropshire - Saturday 17th and 18th September 2011
Established 29 years ago, the Midland Game Fair has become a national institution attracting over 89,000 visitors in previous years. Throughout its growth the Midland Game Fair has retained its unique atmosphere, offering visitors and exhibitors a true celebration of country life.
One of the most celebrated and highly anticipated outdoor events in the National Shooting calendar, The Midland Game Fair welcomes visitors in their thousands and continues to attract a broad cross-section of people to an increasing portfolio of entertainment, competitions and key show features.
Offering a comprehensive portfolio of world-class country sports championships of any event in the UK, the Midland is recognised as a national institution. Home to the Mitsubishi Motors World Series Clay Shooting and Gundog Championship Grand Finals, the Countryman's Weekly Champion of Champions Terrier & Lurcher events and the European Field Target Championship, the Midland offers the finest exposition of shooting and country sports in Europe with the biggest prizes to match too.
The Midland plays host to more Championship Grand Finals across a spectrum of country sports than any other event and is complimented by a wide range of 'have-a-go' activities and tuition facilities for everyone to get involved in. With 19 arenas, live entertainment and over 750 exhibition stands, the Midland makes a great day out for the whole family. If you love the countryside, you will love the Midland Game Fair.
Here's what's in store for 2011…
World Class Championship Finals
Mitsubishi Motors World Series Clay Shooting Final - Taking place on the Clay Shooting Line and organised by the Doveridge Shotgun Academy, the Clay Shooting Final for 2011 welcomes back qualifiers from all rounds, including those from Kelmarsh, Highclere, Sussex and Lowther. This year's Clay Shooting Championship Final has competitors from AA, A, B and C classes, which will allow shooters to compete against those of a similar ability and play for the biggest prize in clay shooting out, a Mitsubishi L200 Trojan.
Mitsubishi Motors World Series Gundog Final - The Mitsubishi Motors World Series Gundog Finals welcomes the much-loved return of the Working Test and Gundog Scurries that for 2011 have proved highly popular amongst its loyal dog handlers. Both the Working Test and the Scurries have picked out the best from the rest, and the Final at this year's Midland will not only crown a new 2011 champion, the talented individual will also walk away with a brand new Mitsubishi ASX3 too!
Mitsubishi Motors World Series Junior Handler Championship Final - Purely for handlers under the age of 14 years, this year's Final will test the handling skills of both Scurry and Working Test handlers, crowning a new 2011 Junior Handler winner in the process. Qualifiers from all previous rounds will go head-to-head to see who will outshine all others.
European Field Target Championship Final - Attracting the best airgun marksmen from across Europe, the esteemed European Field Target Championship Final will once again take place at this year's Midland Game Fair, uncovering a new talented Champion for 2011.
The ATEO Junior Airgun Championship Final - A great Championship which encourages the novice shot to try their hand at airgunning, the ATEO will test young shooters aged 14 years and under to see if they have what it takes to take away the 2011 title.
Sporting Gun's 2011 Clubman Championship Final - Hosting Sporting Gun's Clubman Championship Final, the Midland offers Clay Shooting enthusiasts a full weekend of Championship activity. A fantastic Championship, the Clubman recognises the talents of unclassified shooters from across the board, rewarding those shooters who have never gone higher than 'B' Class in any clay pigeon shooting discipline.
Countryman's Weekly Terrier & Lurcher Champion of Champions
One of the more traditional features of the Midland Game Fair, the Terrier and Lurcher Village has long been one of the cornerstones on which the Fair has been built. Organised and stewarded by the Coursing Crew, the Terrier and Lurcher events held at all of the Fairs throughout the year have watched competitors from across the country showcasing a wide selection of earth and running dogs taking to the ring. Home to the Countryman's Weekly Champion of Champions, 2011 at the Midland expects a nail-biting climax to end a season of great competition.
Other Feature Areas not to miss…
Airgun Expo welcomes you to the World of Airgunning
One of the most anticipated areas of this year's Midland Game Fair, Airgun Expo is one of the shows key features, with 2011 promising more airguns and the latest models and shooting apparel for visitors to 'try before you buy'. With the World's biggest Sporting Ranges offering an unparalleled opportunity to live fire the new models too, Airgun Expo for 2011 is sure to provide the ultimate airgun experience. This year, visitors welcome a comprehensive showcase of airgun manufacturers including Air Arms, Daystate, BSA, Brocock, Falcon and Gunpower, along with providing Airgun Introduction & Tuition by expert coaches from the ATEO too.
Gamekeeper's Row
With the shooting season well underway, Gamekeeper's Row at the Midland is a great opportunity for enthusiasts everywhere to prepare for the year ahead. Taking centre stage at this year's show, the National Gamekeepers Organisation will be welcoming their members along with the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, who also work to promote greater awareness of the role of gamekeepers and the protection and conservation of our countryside.
Gunmaker's Row, featuring a World of Realtree® Showcase
One of our more comprehensive areas, Gunmaker's Row at the Midland has every leading shooting brand for you to try out and purchase. Here, you will also find expert advice and the country's leading shooting organisations too. For 2011, Gunmaker's Row will also house a World of Realtree® Showcase - America's most successful manufacturers of versatile camouflage patterns. Realtree® and its representatives will be on site and at hand to demonstrate the brands unique patterns and their stunning 3D effects perfect for a variety of terrain.
Get Hooked on Fishing at the Fishing Village
The action-packed Fishing Village, co-ordinated by expert Fly Fisherman Hwyel Morgan, is an angling enthusiast's haven with a whole village dedicated to the relaxing country pursuit. Promising a fantastic showcase, this year's Fishing Village combines have-a-go activities, expert tuition from the UK's finest fishermen and a comprehensive selection of retailers for you to find everything you need for that perfect catch.
Fishing Village feature - Hywel Morgan The son of a Welsh fishing guru, Hywel Morgan was lucky to have spent much of his childhood fishing in the Teifi and Ystwyth Rivers, honing his craft and perfecting the art of fly-fishing. Having competed in fly-casting competitions since the age of sixteen, Hywel will introduce the sport and share some of his top tips at the Fishing Village this year.
Working Dog Village
This year's Working Dog Village brings together a selection of fantastic new acts as well as a superb British Heritage Breeds Pavilion. For 2011, there's the amazing Rockwood Dog Display Team, a Flyball Display Team and time-favourite dog specialists,
Ricky Maloney and Ian Openshaw. If the Gundog Events are more your thing, dog handlers can take part in a variety of scurries including Pick 'em at your Peril, Short Fence and the Long Retrieve.
The Rockwood Dog Display Team With four Royal performances under their belt, the Rockwood Dog Display Team have perfected their display to incorporate a unique blend of family fun and education into their act. Made up of fifteen personnel, the Rockwood Dog Display Team will be in the Working Dog Village's Main Arena, showcasing everything from dog training to stunts including tight rope walking and fire retrieving, to jumping through hoops and performing a unique backwards recall - a sight that truly has to be seen to be believed!
Falconry Village
This year's Falconry Village at the Midland is home to some of the UK's most beautiful birds of prey, and it's here you will be able to interact and watch some live demonstrations, whilst catching up with world-class experts from around the world of falconry.
Terry Large and Bryan Paterson With an impressive 30 years experience under their belts, both Terry Large and Bryan Paterson bring an exceptional store of knowledge to the Falconry Village at this year's Midland Game Fair. Great for youngsters, both Terry and Bryan are seasoned demonstrators at our events and, at the Midland, youngsters will be able to handle and fly the birds in front of their friends and family, learn some fascinating insights into some of our treasured birds of prey and join the Campaign for Falconry, led by Terry Large, to learn more about this fascinating sport.
Family fun in the Main Arena
Along with a host of championship finals, including airgunning, fishing, food, rural crafts, working dogs and hundreds upon hundreds of traders and exhibitors showcasing the finest in country wear and apparel, the Midland Game Fair makes a fantastic day out for the whole family. Welcoming old family favourites back to the Main Arena, such as Ye Olde Redtail Falconry and Cyril the Squirrel, this year's newest act, the Knights of Middle England will wow audiences as they bring their interactive jousting display to the Main Arena showground. Young or old, the Main Arena offers a first-class mix of demonstrations, displays and entertainment for all to enjoy and culminates in a fantastic family day out.
The Knights of Middle England A radical and unique display team, the Knights of Middle England are medieval jousters from Warwickshire who bring with them 14 years of both equestrian and showmanship expertise, to provide a colourful entertainment show that the whole family can enjoy.
Donned in full outfit, the Medieval Jousters re-enact one of the finest and most colourful sports of our history demonstrating the period, the customs and its traditions too. This visual, fun-filled show includes fast horses, heroic knights, amazing stunts and hard-hitting contact jousting, with brave knights galloping towards their opponents to try and unseat them in the arena.
Other Family Entertainment
Offering the whole family an excellent programme of entertainment, this year's array of first class performances, demonstrations and classrooms will ensure all ages are kept suitably entertained. Young and old can enjoy…
o Bungee Trampolines
o Bouncy Castles
o Crossbows and catapults
o Simulator
o Pet Dog Agility
o Traditional Rural Crafts and Displays
o Ferret Racing
o Old Tyme Fun Fair
o Magic 'n' Mayhem
o Live entertainment, including Whiskey in the Jar Irish Band
'Game for Everything' Food Village
From traditional farming to specialist rearing, the Great British countryside provides some of the most exquisite culinary delights imaginable, and this year's Midland Game Fair offers visitors a chance to truly indulge in some fantastic food produce within its renowned Food Village. Working closely with World Famous Game Chef and Director of Game for Everything, Mark Gilchrist, visitors can taste a selection of traditional foodstuffs and taste some outstanding dishes, all prepared and cooked in front of your very eyes. This year's Food Village features a wide range of quality exhibitors who will bring to you their stunning cuisine, whilst ready to answer all your questions related to ingredient sourcing and manufacturing methods. Top game chef, Mark Gilchrist, will also be on site demonstrating his own game preparation and cookery, whilst sharing his secrets to making his legendary rabbit pasta, venison sausage rolls and game pies too.
Traditional Rural Crafts
A true celebration of the countryside, the Midland Game Fair has long supported its rural heritage. Offering a wide range of rural and traditional crafts; from the British Stickmakers Guild and the All Shires Netmaking Club, to Rope Worker John Kemp and Master Longnetsman Brian Brinded, the Midland has a wide range of traditional and rural pursuits that visitors can explore and enjoy.
The British Stickmaker's Guild Since 1984, the British Stickmaker's Guild has championed the highly skilled craft of stickmaking. Set up by a very small group of people, today's organisation is now national and has grown to house an impressive 2000 members. Attending this year's Midland Game Fair, visitors will be able to watch craft workers showcase their talents whilst a seeing some finished visual masterpieces for yourself.
Get Involved & Have-a-Go!
At the Midland Game Fair, there's plenty of opportunity for visitors to get involved and have-a-go, offering an abundance of activities for all ages to experience. Here's a sample of what you can get involved in throughout the weekend…
o Practice your shot within the Airgun Sporting Ranges in Airgun Expo
o Visit the Falconry Classrooms and learn all about the Campaign for Falconry
o Gain expert Fishing tuition with the Salmon & Trout Association
o Try clay shooting in some 2 miles of clay shooting ground with experts from the Doveridge Shotgun Academy
o Undertake some Airgun Introduction & Tuition by expert coaches from the ATEO
o Take part in the Gundog Scurries led by Gundog Organiser Laura Bacon
o Watch the superb Terrier & Lurcher showing events organised by the Coursing Crew
o Practice your shot at the Indoor 10m Airgun Target Range & Bell Target Range
o Educate yourself with all the leading countryside societies and associations.
Shopping & Retail Haven
A must for all those wishing to indulge in the latest countryside goods and attire, the Midland Game Fair offers over 750 top-quality exhibitors selling everything you could wish for. Here's just a sample of the type of goods that you can browse and buy this year.
o Stunning Crafts, Antiques and Knives in their designated areas
o Delectable home-grown foodstuffs in the Food Village
o A World of Realtree® Showcase within the superb Gunmaker's Row
o Goods selling everything related to the wonderful world of gamekeeping within
o The largest showcase of shooting equipment and all the leading airgun retailers and manufacturers within Airgun Expo
o The most comprehensive exposition of shooting sports in the UK, with all things shooting related in the superb Gunmaker's Row
o Plus, an array of countryside stores selling the latest clothing and gear to see you through the season!
The Midland Game Fair takes place over 17th and 18th September 2011. For your chance to buy discounted tickets to this year's event, book online here or you can call in advance on 0845 230 5175.
Ticket and Park Information
On the day admission prices:
Adult £17.00
Child £6.00 (4-14yrs)
Advance ticket booking:
Adult £15.00
Child £5.00
Adult weekend ticket £27.00
Child weekend ticket £8.00
Campsite pitch £65.00
Campsite pitch with power £110.00
Dogs Welcome | Free Parking
Opening Times: 8am - 7pm
(Last entrance into the park is 3.30pm)
Countryman Fairs organise 5 award-winning events across the UK throughout the year, each showcasing the very best in country life. For more information on all of Countryman Fairs award winning events visit the website at www.countrymanfairs.co.uk and join us on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news and developments as they happen.





















