It’s the last chance to get dates in the diary of this year’s Galloway Country Fair, a popular weekend event held annually at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate.
The largest country fair in southern Scotland now has more than 200 quality exhibitors and entertainers confirmed as taking part across the two days, from fire-breathers to helicopter trips.
One of the region’s largest family events, the Galloway Country Fair brings together local produce, country sports, crafts and entertainment.
Most recently announced is Heli-Air, which will be offering visitors the chance to see the breath-taking Country Estate from the skies in a new Robinson R44 helicopter. The five minute tour is priced at £39 per head, with four people per tour.
A display from the National Falconry School will simulate the ancient sport using live raptors with inanimate dummies. Zoologist and TV presenter, James McKay, will bring some exotic creatures in his animal roadshow, including CBBCs Norman, a famous Gambian pouched rat who has appeared on many children’s TV programmes.
Les Amis d’Onno – a family run Equestrian display troupe – will cover both days with a Barbarian tribal warfare display featuring stunts, archery, combat warfare and more.
Other headline acts and entertainment include the Sheep Show (a humourous, educational live stage show about sheep and wool) tribal drumming and pipe band act Clanadonia and awe-inspiring motorcycle stunt rider Steve Colley.
There are still camping tickets up for grabs for a family-friendly on-site experience. Campers can pitch a tent or park a caravan or motorhome in a field right next to the show, within easy walking distance of Drumlanrig Castle.
A special offer includes up to three nights camping, admission to the event on Saturday and Sunday for two adults, unrestricted access to the event, free access to the Stableyard, Gardens and Adventure Playground during opening hours, with water, portable toilets and showers on site.
There are plenty of opportunities to ‘have-a-go’ with activities ranging from archery and quad bikes to fishing and a linear low ropes course. Sporting enthusiasts can enjoy gundog displays from the Scottish National Gundog Team, and a scurry provided by Galloway Gundogs. The British Association of Country Sports will also be running a free ‘have-a-go’ rifle range.
Once again, visitors can try their hand at clay pigeon shooting. Elite Clays will return to provide a Clay Shooting competition with £1,000 in prize money, thanks to sponsor Roxtons. The British Association of Shooting and Conservation will also be offering coaching lines for beginners and tips on how to improve your shot.
Visit www.gallowaycountryfair.co.uk for more information on entertainment, exhibitors and pricing.
The annual fair takes place on Saturday and Sunday, 16th and 17th August, from 9am-6pm. Tickets are priced at £12 for adults, £5 for ages 5-16, £10 for concessions and £30 for a family pass (includes two adults plus two children). Under-fives go free.
