Highclere Country Fair

HIGHCLERE’S SUMMER SIZZLER

Highclere Country Fair on the second May bank holiday was graced by a weekend of scorching sunshine, and 21,415 countryside enthusiasts put on their sunscreen and came out to enjoy the premier countryside event in the Southern Counties.

Throughout the weekend the countryside came to life with field sports enthusiasts and families alike enjoying world class displays and demonstrations in the Richa Main Arena. Both regular field Sports enthusiasts and those enjoying a great family day out could be seen forming queues throughout the day to take part in the wide range of have-a-go activities and competitions.

Over 900 visitors had a go and took part in the National Organisation of Beaters and Pickers Up Have-a-go Gundog Scurries, with many juniors entering for the first time using some of the skills they had watched being demonstrated by the experts in the Skinners International Retriever World Cup. This is the World’s most prestigious Working Test and is always hotly contested. This year was no different and it was Wales who took top honors to seal the championship title. Only two points away from the Champions were Germany in second place, very closely followed by England who stole third.  The competitors were given a rousing reception as they paraded through the show with their national flags before the trophy presentation.

The third and fourth qualifying rounds of the Mitsubishi Motors World Series Clay Shooting Championships got off to an explosive start producing the next 24 shooters on their way to the Grand Final taking place at the Midland Game Fair.  For the first time in the competitions history both Sunday and Monday saw the first two junior girls qualify for the Grand Final.  Amber Hill of Bracknell in Berkshire was also our youngest qualifier at the age of 11 brought to the show by her grandfather Mr. Bill Rodgers.

Highclere Country Fair has always been synonymous with an exceptional profile of country related trade offering the highest quality of products. The excellence of the ‘Game for Everything’ Food Festival saw many visitors using the try before you buy service offered throughout the festival.  Local produce, homemade pickles, chutney, preserves, chilli dips and jams and the award winning Cotswold Country Liquors were some of the visitor’s favourite exhibits.   

Visitors could be seen hosting picnics, carrying bags and soaking up the atmosphere all around the show.

Countryman Fairs are currently working on the profile of events for next year, check back regularly for progress and updates.

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