Show starts 10am-6pm
Arena Events start 11am
Dogs on leads welcome
Ample FREE CAR PARKING

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+44 (0) 1588 672708

10 April 2007:

Spectacular Knights make for
top-flight entertainment at Falconry Fair!

A two-day family-fun weekend will showcase a superb entertainment event and spectacular display by the world-renowned Knights of Arkley who will be displaying some exciting Medieval entertainment. Specially trained horses and riders will delight audiences with Medieval jousting, swordfighting and combat sequences as part of the world’s premier falconry event for 2007 – The British Falconry & Raptor Fair.

The Fair is to be held on Sunday 6th May and Monday 7th May at Chetwynd Park, Newport, Shropshire. 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. It is the ultimate flagship event of its kind in the falconry world. Specialist exhibitors attend from all over 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 is home to a Sporting & Wildlife Art Exhibition, and the Campaign for Falconry Exhibition.

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.

Popular Shropshire-based woodcarver Dave Bytheway will be demonstrating his woodcarving art in the mini-arena at the showground, and displaying his range of sculptures created from native woods. He creates sculptures primarily with the use of a chain saw, and then completes them with the use of hand tools. He works to commissions and his latest creations will be on sale at the show.

Britain’s only dedicated Raptor Art Exhibition exhibits major Wildlife and Raptor Art by some of the leading artists in this field, and is now in it’s 17th year. The exhibition attracts collectors and artists from all over Europe and some countries outside of the EU.

Up N Over Dog Training & Agility Club will be running a ‘Have A Go’ Agility Ring For one Pound visitors to the fair receive a 15-minute agility lesson and free dog training advice. We also fun a fun novelty dog show along the lines of a breed show, where contestants can win a rosette and a small trophy or prize – Handsome Dog, Waggiest tail.

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. The event has a dedicated Wildlife Art Exhibition, with a dozen artists displaying their latest work, which is for sale. There are 8 acres of trade stands on the 40-acre site.

The Antique & Collectables Fair is a highlight of the Country Fair.

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, parking and show day facilities is available from the event website: www.countryfairs.info

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