Press Releases

Top-flight entertainment at Falconry Fair!

A two-day family-fun weekend will showcase some great family entertainment- including sheepdog displays from the star of BBC’s ‘One Man and his Dog’- Gus Dermody, and an amazing flying display by Jonathan Marshall - ‘The Man Who Flies with Eagles’. It is all part of the world’s premier falconry event for 2008 – The British Falconry & Raptor Fair.

The 18th annual Falconry Fair is to be held on Sunday 4th May and Monday 5th May at Chetwynd Park, Newport, Shropshire. It is the ultimate flagship event of its kind in the falconry world and provides a unique gathering of falconers, raptor enthusiasts and specialist exhibitors from around the world, including in particular Europe and North America. The fair features continuous arena events on all aspect of falconry, including displays of hawks and falcons. The event includes major exhibitions by national countryside organisations such as the British Falconers Club and the Hawk Board, and the Campaign for Falconry Exhibition. The two-day family-fun weekend is also host to a popular and prestigious Country Fair which highlights a highly-entertaining range of country leisure pursuits.

The ‘First Lady of British Falconry’ …

A spokesman for the organisers said: “This year we will have the added attraction of the return of the First Lady of British Falconry, Jemima Parry-Jones, MBE. A frequent visitor to the fair in the past, she will be providing flying displays in the main arena. Jemima is a stalwart of raptor conservation and friend to falconers far and wide, so we are most pleased to have her at this year’s event. "

Leading European Falconer to open Falconry Fair…

The 2008 event will be opened by Adriaan Koster, President of the Dutch Falconers Club. He has been attending the event for many years representing Dutch falconry.

‘The Man Who Flies with Eagles’…

Jonathan Marshall has been featured on many TV wildlife programmes and has been responsible for some fantastic camera work when the flight of birds of prey has been captured in stunning detail.

BBC’s ‘One Man and his Dog’- Gus Dermody…

Gus Dermody, star of the BBC’s ‘One Man and his Dog’ will be giving a sheepdog display and holding an exhibition.

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. "

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) Displays by conservation organisations play a prominent role at the Fair, and representatives include the Raptor Rescue Association, British Deer Society, British Association for Shooting & Conservation, the British Deer Society, the British Falconers Club and the Hawk Board. There are 8 acres of trade stands on the 40-acre site, and some of Britain’s leading wildlife artists will be displaying and selling their creations for collectors and art-lovers.

• The Antique & Collectables Fair is a highlight of the Country Fair.
• Stickdressing and Ferret display (on Monday); the Plummier 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, Family Dog Show, and Black Powder Shooting.
• Nick Havemann-Mart owner of Honeybrook Foods said: “Once again we are proud and pleased to sponsor this premier event in the falconry world. It is the ultimate showcase and entertainment event of its kind. We are proud to be the commercial sponsors of this major event.”

Event organiser concluded: “A professional sound system ensures that even the largest crowds enjoy the display. Described as “The Sport of Kings” our show is particularly aimed at enabling everyone to have a chance of seeing these magnificent creatures, many once endangered species. Birds are in prime flying condition, ensuring what we consider to be the best falconry demonstration in the UK. Highly skilled people are on hand to give advice and share their extensive knowledge of falconry. We like to get the public as involved as we can during demonstrations and displays. We are proud to demonstrate the ancient art of falconry and the conservation of birds of prey. Organisers uphold the finest traditions of this, the noblest of all field sports and provide demonstrations within a strict Code of Conduct.”

Additional information on tickets, (free admission for children under 5) the ample parking and show day facilities is available from the event website: www.countryfairs.info

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