Blenheim Palace hosts the 50th CLA Game Fair

Above: Up and over - a well-trained dog is a good companion

Above: There are opportunities to win prizes in many activities

Above: You're never too young to enjoy the CLA Game Fair

This July the largest show displaying the epitome of our countryside – traditional and new – will be held at one of the region’s most prestigious heritage Estates, Blenheim Palace. The CLA Game Fair attracts the world’s largest gathering of country sports personalities, professionals and enthusiasts from throughout the UK and abroad. It is here that visitors will find the most comprehensive representation of their favourite country pursuits as well as the most fabulous displays of every aspect of the countryside – and this year the atmosphere and revelry will be at its greatest as the 50th anniversary of the show is celebrated.

Shooting, fishing, gundogs and falconry are at the core of The Game Fair with displays, world-class championships, competitions, tuition, and have-a-go activities to be found throughout the 500-acre site. However, the Fair is not only an annual gathering and eagerly enjoyed social occasion for enthusiasts of country sports, it is also a three-day showcase for the whole of the countryside enjoyed by families from all walks of life looking for a fabulous day’s entertainment away from the commercial entertainment of fun fairs and theme parks. At The Game Fair visitors will find a host of features which will appeal to all members of the family. The show offers the opportunity to try – under expert guidance – many of the shooting and fishing disciplines; plus hands-on experience with falcons, dogs, horses and ferrets.

There will even be an opportunity to win awards and prizes in archery, target shooting and many other activities. For those feeling even more adventurous there will be a plethora of ‘newer’ activities to be enjoyed in the countryside. Aerial trekking, bungee trampolining, quad bikes, laser combat, maize, off-road driving, wall climbing and exploring nature are just some of the entertainments on offer – all of which promise hours of fun whether you are aged five or 75. Additions to The Game Fair in recent years include gardening, horses and food.

The equestrian show, aptly called ‘Hooked on Horses’ introduces newcomers to the many different breeds of horses and their fortes as well as offering advice on how to start riding.
 
An area of the show not to be missed is the Totally Food Show which features regional and local producers from many areas of the country but will particularly promote the Oxfordshire area. A lively picnic area with music is cleverly laid out in the heart of the Totally Food Show where visitors can sit and enjoy all the samples they have gathered up from the stands.

Did you know?

• This is the 50th anniversary of The CLA Game Fair. The first show was held in 1958 at Stetchworth in Cambridge after the idea was conceived by Nigel Gray, senior advisory consultant at the then ICI Game Advisory Service – later the Game Conservancy. Entrance for an adult was 2/6d (12½p) and the organisers hoped to attract 1,000 visitors. In fact, 8,000 turned up over the course of two days!
• This is the third time the Fair will be held at Blenheim Palace; it was first held there in 2000 and then again 2004.
• Over the years The CLA Game Fair has travelled across England, Scotland and Wales. It has been patronised by royalty, including Her Majesty The Queen.
  An anniversary book, which will be on sale at the show, has recently been published, detailing the history of the event and featuring photographs and recollections gathered over the years.
• The CLA Game Fair is the world’s biggest country sports exhibition and national countryside event, attracting an average of 130-140 000 visitors each year.
• The show covers 500 acres with over 1,000 exhibitors, numerous shows and displays, 3 car parks and a caravan/campsite capable of housing 6,000 visitors
• The core areas of The CLA Game Fair – shooting, fishing, gundogs, gamekeepers and estate management – are each the UK’s biggest exhibitions of their kind.
• Preparing the Clay Line for action at The CLA Game Fair is a major operation. It takes 10 days to lay it out and set up on site, 60 staff to run it and months of preparation, including the construction of 120 automatic Clay Machines.
• Four of the UK’s top carvers including the current UK champion Peter Bowsher will compete over the three days to produce the best sculpture from a 2m x 1m piece of Redwood timber. These fantastic pieces will then be auctioned to the public at 3pm on Sunday afternoon.
• Elaine Paige is one of many celebrities who regularly attend the event.
• The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will be one of many exciting main arena displays.

• The CLA – the Country, Land and Business Association – is the membership organisation for owners of land, property and businesses in rural England and Wales. They have been representing their members’ interests since 1907.
  
  For further information or to book tickets visit www.gamefair.co.uk or tel: 08448 480990.

Buy a copy of Oxfordshire Life magazine to see how to win a family ticket to the event!