Press Releases

Falconry Fair is ‘top-flight entertainment’!

The British Falconry & Raptor Fair being held on Sunday 2nd May and Monday 3rd May at Chetwynd Park, Newport, Shropshire is a fantastic two-day family-fun weekend which showcases some great entertainment. For the first time this year’s event will be host to an eagle display by the United Kingdom Eagle Falconry Association. Add in some stunning flying demonstrations by the very best falconers, including the internationally-renowned Jemima Parry Jones, MBE and major exhibitions by national countryside organisations and you have all the ingredients for a fantastic weekend... all part of the world’s premier falconry event for 2010. There will also be a master-class in the art of lure swinging by top falconer and TV star Jonathan Marshall. In addition to a superb static display of trained hawks and falcons members of the UK Eagle Falconry Association will also have several trained hunting eagles on static display.

Now in its’ 21st year it is the ultimate event of its kind in the falconry world. Sponsored by Kiezebrink UK Ltd it features all aspect of falconry, including exhibitions by the British Falconers Club, and the Campaign for Falconry Exhibition. The South East Falconry Group will be presenting a superlative flying display. Two new attractions will be the Yorkshire Hawking Club and Alan Hender. A team from the Yorkshire club, under the chairmanship of Dale Johnson, will be putting on a display of simulated rabbit hawking. Falconer and dog trainer, Alan Hender will be entertaining visitors with two daily displays relating directly to the use of working dogs in the sport of falconry.

The ‘First Lady of British Falconry’ …
The First Lady of British Falconry, Jemima Parry-Jones, MBE will be providing flying displays in the main arena. Jemima is a stalwart of raptor conservation and friend to falconers far and wide, and gives an informative and highly-entertaining presentation in the main arena.

Birds of prey demonstrations…

A spokesman for the organisers said: - “The Falconry and Raptor Fair will premier ultimate aspects of the falconry world.  A variety of birds of prey demonstrations in the main arena, including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls will delight visitors.  The birds may also be viewed at close range to appreciate their magnificence on special static displays. The weekend is a special occasion in the falconry calendar. The link between mankind and birds of prey has, for centuries, held a romantic association. This will be something that visitors will find fascinating when they experience the close encounter of seeing the grace, beauty and power of the most spectacular birds in the world.
Displays by conservation organisations: Displays by conservation organisations include: the Raptor Rescue Association, British Association for Shooting & Conservation, and the British Deer Society. The two-day family-fun weekend is also host to a popular Country Fair which highlights a highly-entertaining range of country leisure pursuits including: Stickdressing and Ferret display (on Monday); the Plummer Terrier Association Championship Stock Show and an Invitation Beagle Show (on Sunday). ‘Have a Go’ activities!: BASC Gundog events; Terrier & Lurcher Shows (Monday); archery, Shooting School; Sporting Clay Shoot, Dog Agility, Novelty Dog Show, Airgunning, Black Powder Shooting, Free Fly-casting Tuition, Children’s Quad Bikes, Bouncy Castle and amusements. Also 8 acres of trade stands!

Trade Stands: The two-day event has 8 acres of Trade Stands attracting a variety of traders with products and services ranging from greeting cards, ceramics, woodwork, and glassware, to leather good (handbags, belts and purses), paperweights, textile crafts, clothing and leisure-wear, of all types including footwear. There are around 70 specialist falconry stands featuring falconry-related items such as art, sculpture, books, and falconry equipment, (clothes boots gloves).

Official Sponsor: The organisers of the event would like to offer a warm welcome to our new principal sponsor in the form of Kiezebrink UK Ltd, the well respected supplier of top quality frozen foods for birds of prey as well as other birds and mammals. Kiezebrink, during their long association with the fair, have always been extremely enthusiastic supporters of the event and have now taken over the role of official sponsors.

Ticket/admission information: Additional information on tickets, (free admission for children under 5) the ample parking and show day facilities are available from the event website: www.countryfairs.info Enquiries: (01588) 672708. Admission: Adults £11; Children £4 (under 5’s free). Show starts 10am Closes 6pm. Arena events start11am. Dogs on leads welcome. Free Car Parking.

For press information call the Show Office on 01588 672708.
Images available on request from 01743 359312