The Autumn Show & Game Fair, on 3 and 4 October at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, welcomes people of all ages to come and see what will make them smile by having a go at some of the UK’s most popular country pursuits.
Parents will already be smiling when they know a great family day out is waiting that will not cost a fortune, as all under 16s can enter the show for FREE (when accompanied by a paying adult). Further online discounts can also be snapped up when you book your tickets before the event.
Seasonal food, family fun, a wide range of traditional country pursuits and great shopping are on offer at this popular show, which celebrates the Autumn harvest. Visitors can try their hand at gundog scurries, terrier racing, clay pigeon and air rifle shooting, fly fishing, falconry, archery and dog agility.
Organisers at the South of England Agricultural Society would like visitors to try something new at the show and they want to capture the best smiles by a country mile on camera throughout the weekend. The best from each day will be shared on social media where people can vote for their favourites and the winning smile of the weekend will be announced after the show closes.
Said Michelle Nudds, Chair of the Autumn Show & Game Fair Committee, “This is a very family and dog friendly show and offers a wonderful day out for all ages. We want visitors to learn more about rural life in Sussex and be entertained by the many different attractions such as the Ridgeside Lurcher display, Harris’ vintage funfair, a children’s pumpkin trail, traditional Punch and Judy show, kite flying and birds of prey demonstrations.
“Also in the main ring on Sunday visitors can enjoy the Donkey Show Parade, Cavalcade of Hounds and 1st Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteers Corps of Drums.”
Dogs are well catered for at the show and the popular gundog scurry (which recognised cross-breeds can also enter), run by the British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC) in association with Plumpton College Game and Wildlife Management, will act as a qualifier for the BASC national competition.
Complete beginners, including all members of the family, can also have a go at clay pigeon shooting with Northall from Fletching in East Sussex.
The Society will continue to celebrate their chosen theme for 2015 of ‘The Next Generation’ when winners are revealed in this year’s Student Assignment Project as well as top tips and demonstrations from rising stars at Warrenby Gun Dogs and award winning anglers with Cinder Hill Fly Fishing.
A variety of rabbits, poultry and farm animals will be on display, together with a collection of vintage agricultural vehicles from a bygone era of farming. Visitors can also enjoy spectacular displays from the National Vegetable Society and the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies, creative craft displays from the WI as well as a great range of shopping, including countryside fashion and equipment, regional foods and rural crafts.
The Society is keen to encourage people of all ages to get involved with their work by visiting the show and learning how they can support the charity by becoming a member, which includes free entry to all four major shows throughout the year. PLUS if you sign up for next year at the Autumn Show & Game Fair they will also give you free entrance into the new Winter Fair taking place on 5 & 6 December.
Admission to Autumn Show & Game Fair: FREE entry for under 16s (when accompanied by a paying adult). FREE parking. Senior citizens and students £8. Adults £10. Save 10% when you book online before the show at www.seas.org.uk
