Lovers of country sports will be delighted to learn that this year’s Autumn Show at the South of England Centre, Ardingly will also feature a Game Fair.
Shooting, hunting and fishing enthusiasts will all be catered for with attractions including sporting equipment, casting displays with the Salmon and Trout Association, coarse and fly fishing displays, gundog trials, stick making and a clay pigeon shoot.
A colourful hunt display will take centre stage at the Show, which takes place on Saturday 30 September & Sunday 1 October.
Vice-Chairman of the Autumn Show and Game Fair Committee, Jim Rutherford, said: “The introduction of the game fair element is very much in keeping with the Society’s commitment to countryside values. We hope that it will become a big success over the next few years and really grow to be an unmissable event in the country calendar.”
In addition to the Game Fair, the Autumn Show will offer its usual wide variety of seasonal attractions from the traditional to the quirky – not least the Fun Dog Show. Owners can enter their clever canines into a range of classes including "the dog with the waggiest tail".
Garden lovers will have the opportunity to exhibit their prize-winning produce in a horticultural competition. The National Vegetable Society will also present their own impressive harvest display and conduct an "ask me a question" session.
Trade stands selling a wide range of crafts, foods and gifts will provide a diverse retail opportunity, and shoppers will be entertained by street artists and strolling musicians.
South of England Agricultural Society Chairman, David Allam, said: “This year we celebrate the foundation of the Society on the Ardingly Showground. As we approach our 40th birthday the Society continues to seek new ways to educate and promote local food, the countryside and country sports.”
The Autumn Show and Game Fair is open from 9am – 5pm on both days. Car parking is free.
Adult tickets cost £6, children and OAPS £5 and under 16’s £3. A family ticket, which admits two adults and two children is £15. Visit http://www.seas.org.uk for more information.
