The Midland Game and Country Fair signified the close of the game fair season in spectacular style on the 19th and 20th of September. Early indications suggest that the Midland has enjoyed another recording breaking year with 89,000 visitors descending on Weston Park to enjoy country sport’s annual showcase. After what has been a somewhat challenging year for many in the countryside, it was clear that everyone was out to enjoy themselves in the sunshine that has become customary for the Midland in recent years.

Countryman Fairs Chief Executive, Ian Harford, comments “The Midland Game and Country Fair is the annual meeting place for country sports enthusiasts, which creates a unique atmosphere. In the 14 years that I have been involved with the Midland, this was simply the best. Business was brisk despite the economic gloom, and everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. It is especially encouraging to see so many people come together in support of country life and all it has to offer.”

The Midland Game and Country Fair is renowned for its profile of leading field sports championships and this year was no exception. Sunday offered the opportunity for visitors to watch all of these World Class competitions come to a fantastic finale. The 6th Mitsubishi Motors World Series Clay Shooting Championship once again came to a nail biting conclusion. It was finally the year for the Pros, with George Digweed capping off a fantastic year by adding the World Series title to his already impressive haul in 2009, and with it a brand new Mitsubishi L200 Trojan worth over £20,000.00LP!

The Richa Working Dog Arena was the setting for the Grand Final of the inaugural Mitsubishi Motors Gundog Championship. The UKs most exciting gundog championship offers the biggest prize in the sport, a brand new Mitsubishi Outlander worth over £20,000.00LP. The Championship pits the UKs best scurry handler against UKs fastest working test handler to see which discipline can handle the pressure in a head to head battle for the car. This year it was 72 year old Fred Tompkinson and his black Labrador bitch Lucy who held his nerve to claim the title against 2007 Richa Premier Gundog League Champion Simon Fowler and his golden retriever bitch Tully.

The European Field Target Championships is widely renowned as the Worlds most competitive championship, and fielded teams from no fewer than 12 European nations. Welshman Mike Williams posted a phenomenal clear round 50/50 on Saturday to put himself on target for the title. Another strong 46/50 on Sunday gave him a total of 96/100 and ensured he stayed ahead of Simon Ayers and young John Costello who finished on 94/100.

In addition to hosting the UKs leading portfolio of field sports championships, the Midland is also home to Gunmakers Row and the UKs biggest airgun showcase Airgun Expo. Both areas represent the most comprehensive exposition of shooting exhibitors in the UK, with many reporting record sales. The Midland has always been renowned for its bargains, although interest in new products was particularly high. “It was simply our best show ever” offered Daystate MD Tony Belas. “Footfall through the show was incredible and the atmosphere was fantastic. You can’t get any better”.

Colin Sweeney, Chief Executive of Weston Park comments: “We are delighted with the turnout over the weekend, the event was a great success and the fabulous weather provided the perfect backdrop for the visitors, traders and competitors alike. The Game Fair is an important part of the local calendar and brings with it much needed support for many local businesses, including our own farm shop. We are very proud to host the Midland Game Fair and look forward to its continued success.”

For all those who can’t wait until next September, the Midland Game and Country Fair’s sister event, The Kelmarsh Game and Country Fair will be opening its gates on the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, 4th and 5th of April 2010. Kelmarsh Country Fair hosts all the key feature areas that have established the Midland Game and Country Fair as the UK’S premier countryside event.

All the results from all the Midland Game and Country Fairs competitions and a full profile on Kelmarsh Game and Country Fair can be found at www.countrymanfairs.co.uk.