The Sussex Game and Country Fair enjoys its 20th year in 2011. The event has found a permanent home on the beautiful Parham Estate, although was somewhat nomadic in it’s early years. The Sussex Game and Country Fair was once part of the County Fairs group of game and country shows, which were squired by Countryman Fairs in 2004.

In its early years, the Sussex Game and Country Fair was held in the grounds of Seaford College in Petworth. It was at Seaford that the Fair established itself as an essential date in the Sussex countryside calendar. The well manicured grounds and excellent facilities gave the fair a feeling of quality, and the atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable.

In 2002 Seaford College introduced a foreign exchange programme, and unfortunately were unable to continue hosting the Sussex Game and Country Fair. A new location was found at Brinsbury College in nearby Pulbourough. Here the event enjoyed somewhat mixed fortunes, with torrential rain in 2002, and tropical heatwave in 2003! The crop rotation programme employed at Brinsbury meant that the same ground was not available each year, and a more permanent home was needed.

The Sussex Game and Country Fair moved to Parham in 2004, where it replaced the Parham Steam Rally in the Estates calendar. The Fair still retains some of its steam rally elements, and the vintage section has always enjoyed considerable support. Allan and Lynn Cullen of the Sussex and Kent Weald Stationary Engine group will be expanding this feature even further in the coming years.

Parham Park is a simply stunning venue. This sporting estate has expansive views over the South Downs, and is an ideal home for the Sussex game and Country Fair. Parham is also home to a herd of melanistic fallow. These are distinctive from their common cousins in that they have a dark brown coat, rather than the usual light spotted tan. The herd has been at Parham for nearly 4 centuries, with records dating back to 1628.

Parham House is a typical example of Elizabethan style, but employing local materials and craftsmanship. The Great Hall forms the heart of the House, offering outstanding views over the Downs, and the country fair! The Long Gallery is probably Parham’s most spectacular feature, and at 160 feet runs the entire length of the house. Parham is an amazing estate and a fitting home for the Sussex Game and Country Fair.

The Sussex Game and Country Fair - The South of England's premier celebration of the countryside.