More than 12,000 people flocked to a gamekeepers’ fair hosted by the UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).
Crowds soaked up the sunshine as they watched displays, browsed stalls and took part in events at the fair at Catton Park, Derbyshire, on 17th and 18th April.
Two new attractions at this year’s event were a huge success. Stalking 2010 – a dedicated deer stalking and management village, sponsored by Bushwear, proved to be popular and a new food hall showcasing local and national producers and suppliers of high quality food and drink was packed out. Displays included historic firearms, pigeon shooting, decoying and falconry. There were gundog demonstrations, terrier racing, chainsaw wood carving and lumberjack displays. BASC qualified shotgun coaches gave clay shooting lessons and there were competitions for stick dressing, gundogs and pigeon plucking. There were also craft and antique marquees. More than 200 traders showed off their wares. Chudleys dog food sponsored gundog scurries at the event and there were lurcher and terrier shows, clay shooting competitions, helicopter pleasure flights and lots to do for children.
BASC’s Midlands director, Steve Bloomfield, said: “Thankyou to everyone who helped and supported us at the Gamekeepers Fair over the weekend. Early indications are that we have a good increase in attendance and so far the feedback has been positive, not only for the overall event but for the new additions such as the food hall, Stalking 2010 and the excellent pigeon plucking contest. The weather was obviously a big help and the atmosphere seemed to be a happy one.”
ENDS