Leading angling manufacturers and retailers signed up for the festival
Exhibitors include Victor Bonnutto, Antique Fishing Tackle; Mill Tackle, McKenzie DTX Fly Fishing, and Garry Evans
Lots to see and do from curious children through to angling experts
With fishing one of the lead sports at The Game Fair this summer at Ragley Hall, plans for the Fisherman’s Village have been finalised and organisers are putting the finishing touches on what will be the country’s leading outdoor fishing exhibition. Supported by the Angling Trust and featuring a wide range of industry-leading manufacturers, retailers, and experts – coupled with fun and interactive experiences, there really is something for everyone.
Covering a vast area of the stunning Ragley Hall estate, those angling for the latest in the fishing world will not be disappointed. The dedicated fishing area will be home to a specially-designed feature providing family entertainment – while maintaining a strong affiliation with the highly skilled anglers in the Game Fair community.
Exhibitors ranging from Fly Fishing rods and accessories to Coarse Fishing essentials will be at the three day celebration of the great British countryside, and businesses are already looking forward to a busy few days with anglers expected to attend from all over the country. Fishing highlights include…
Fun for the little ones
In association with Angling Trust, Get Hooked On Fishing will run the participation area in the Family Fishing Funfair. They will have a Lure Tank and lots of fun activities for kids and families to have a go at fishing both on land and in the water. The Fly Dresser’s Guild will also be on hand with their popular fly tying lessons and competitions.
Spey casting competition
For those looking to test their casting skills, the daily Spey casting competition run by Ian Hockley and hosted and commentated by Hywel Morgan, who makes a welcome return to the show, is a must-attend event. Rumoured to be featuring some of the UK’s top Spey casters, Game Fair fans will be pleased to hear that Scott McKenzie who started his career at the CLA Game Fair and went on to become the World Champion three times over is coming out of retirement especially for 2016. As well as competing he’ll be giving demonstrations and helping visitors at the Rod Testing Area.
Rod Testing Area
Experts and exhibitors will be on hand to showcase their latest products and help visitors test new equipment so that they can try-before-they buy.
Tight Lines Tavern
Tight Lines Tavern is the Fisherman’s Village equivalent of the famous Gunmakers Pub and is set to make a big splash at this year’s Game Fair. The perfect place to meet old friends, make new ones, and share tales of fishing conquests, the pub will be open throughout the festival. Visitors can sit back and enjoy a cold drink while watching the competitions and demonstrations on the lake.
Tales from the River Bank
Hosted by Keith Arthur, a resident soap box surrounded by seating will welcome a variety of celebrity anglers and professionals telling their stories – giving talks on a wide range of fishing disciplines. Visitors will also be able to take centre stage, sharing their own tales from the river bank.
Game Fair Special Guests
Organisers have lined up a number of special guests that will be making appearances in the Fisherman’s Village including:
Keith Arthur from Sky Sports’ Tight Lines and TALKSport’s Fisherman’s Blues telling his angling takes
James Stokoe, winner of BBC2’s 2015 The Big Fish Off will be taking part in a Q&A session and providing expert demonstrations
Dusto, the graffiti artist who works with the Angling Trust and Get Hooked on Fishing will be creating a live piece of art throughout the weekend
Dominic Garnett, angling author of Crooked Lines will be giving talks on Fly Fishing for Everyone, and also taking part in demonstrations showing the art of fly fishing for carp on the estate over the weekend. Look out for his book signings and tying flies sessions too
Hywel Morgan, Welsh international and game tackle consultant will be showcasing his skills and commentating on the competitions
Scott McKenzie, competing and showcasing his Spey casting skills
Victor Bonnutto, displaying his antique fishing tackle as well as offering advice and valuations for visitors who think they have a hidden treasure – this is The Game Fair’s very own version of the Antiques Roadshow!
Henry Gilbey, acclaimed fishing writer, photographer and TV presenter specialising in Sea Fishing, will be give talks on photography and carry out demonstrations on the water
A word from the organisers
Tony Wall, Event Director, said “We’re really keen to show visitors the vast breadth and array of fishing disciplines, while also providing a fun and entertaining fishing festival for all the family. By working with the best in the industry, and with the Angling Trust’s valued support, we’re confident that the Fisherman’s Village is going to be one of the main hubs of The Game Fair 2016 event.
“Whether you’re new to fishing, a seasoned veteran, or just you just want to improve your skills and pick up some new equipment, we’ve got the right products, exhibitors and experts on hand to make sure it’s the only place you need to go this summer for your fishing needs.”
What else is there to see and do?
The three day festival brings together the best that the British countryside has to offer. From families looking for fun and entertainment, through to those passionate about country pursuits, the event is set to be a great day out with something for everyone.
From shooting and show jumping, to fishing, fashion and food, event organisers are pleased to officially confirm some of the key festival highlights, which will see over 850 exhibitors and 120,000 visitors grace the spectacular Capability Brown designed grounds.
Other lead elements of the festival include:
Bear Grylls Survival Zone
Foodie Theatrics At The Game Larder Theatre and Cookery School
Shooting
Shopping
Horses and Hounds
Gundogs
Falconry
Tickets
Advance discount tickets are now available online, and there are further offers for members of a wide range of guest associations. For more information visit: thegamefair.org.