Midland Game Fair signified the close of the game fair season in spectacular style on the 20th and 21st of September. A record breaking 87,000 visitors descended on Weston Park to enjoy the finest showcase of country life in Britain. Throughout both days the wide variety of have a go opportunities saw budding field sports competitors taking their first steps into their chosen pursuit. Tuition facilities and exhibition stands from the leading countryside organisations provided advice and guidance about game fishing, hunting and shooting to thousands of visitors.

Countryman Fairs Chief Executive, Ian Harford, comments “The Midland Game Fair is synonymous with a real hands-on experience of country life. Each year it continues to grow due to this unique experience that we offer all our visitors. The wet weather this year meant we had to alter the layout at short notice. Despite this change the Midland Game Fair offered more to our visitors this year than ever before.

In the current economic climate 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 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 5th Mitsubishi Motors World Series Clay Shooting Championship once again came to a nail biting conclusion. Two times British Colt Champion Jordan Gray topped the Junior Class to go through to the Grand Final against 2007 Mitsubishi Motors World Series Champion and Ladies Class Champion Cheryl Hall, Professional Class Champion Graham Stirzaker and Open Class Champion Mick Parsons. With some exceptional shooting and nerves of steel 14 year old Jordan Gray was crowned the Mitsubishi Motors World Series Champion 2008. At 14 years old Jordan is the youngest ever champion and was rewarded for his excellence with a brand new Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab Warrior.

The Richa Working Dog Arena was the setting for the Grand Final of the second Richa Premier Gundog League. Throughout the day handlers battled against each other for their chance to be crowned Richa Premier Gundog League Champion 2008 and drive away in a brand new Mitsubishi Outlander Equipee worth £19,449.00LP and fully kitted our by Trans-K9 Dog Transporting Equipment. League leader John Bingham performed exceptionally throughout the day, handling Lou with precision and speed. John knocked out many of the competition’s top handlers including 2007 Richa Premier Gundog League Runner-up Roland Ward. In the final John’s excellence shone through and he was crowned 2008 champion in front of thousands of spectators.

The Countrywide Kennels Main Arena welcomed a range of educational and entertaining displays form some of the country’s leading demonstrators. One Man and His Dog commentator Gus Dermody shared his knowledge of sheep herding with the crowds, fresh from filming the latest series. The Band of the Brigade of Gurhkas travelled the length of the country to join in the celebrations of country life.

For all those who can’t wait until next year the Midland Game Fair’s sister event, Kelmarsh Country Fair will be opening its gates on the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, 12th and 13th of April 2009. Kelmarsh Country Fair hosts all the key feature areas that have established the Midland Game Fair as the UK’S premier countryside event.

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