Dumfriesshire locals and visitors alike are being encouraged to mark Galloway Country Fair in their calendars, as Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate announces dates for 2015.
The premium country event will be held at the iconic Castle on the 22nd and 23rd August, bringing together food and drink, country sports, entertainment, rural crafts, and children’s activities.
The popular Food Marquee will grow in size to mark the Year of Food and Drink Scotland 2015, and will be filled with a huge variety of fresh produce including quality beef, cheeses and more.
Free children’s entertainment will also be a huge focus this year, with an entire zone dedicated to fun activities for a variety of age groups.
Leading entertainment company, Team Challenge, will provide a number of free activities, including a giant assault course, a bouncy castle, an inflatable slide, a bucking bronco, mini quad bikes and inflatable laser tag ensuring youngsters are spoilt for choice.
The Sheep Show – an educational live stage show about sheep and wool – is set to make a welcome return after proving a firm favourite amongst visitors at last year’s Fair.
The makers of the show will also bring a new addition for 2015 – The Dog and Duck Display. The fun, 30 minute duck-herding display gives spectators an understanding of the working collie dog with plenty of involvement from the audience.
Buccleuch’s own David Lisett, one of the UKs most renowned dog trainers, will perform gundog displays on both days, with Galloway Gundogs providing a scurry and test across the weekend also.
The popular Craft Marquee will be open for business again this year, offering handmade gifts and homeware, plus jewellery, artwork and much more.
One of the best-loved features of the Fair – its sporting attractions – will be available once more, with opportunities to have a go at clay shooting and fishing.
A multitude of retailers are already confirmed as attending, including Fotheringhams Ice-cream, Grants Butchers, Terri Campbell Jewellery and Kelbrook Pottery.
Joining them is former Apprentice candidate and entrepreneur, Cindy Ledgerwood, who will showcase her business, Miss IntegriTea and its range of hand-blended organic herbal teas.
Anna Fergusson, Visitor Services Manager, said: “Preparations are well underway for this year’s Galloway Country Fair. It has grown considerably in recent years and is now recognised as the largest and most renowned country fair in southern Scotland – and we hope to go even bigger this year.
“As always, there will be something to keep the whole family amused and it is set to be a really fun weekend with shows, stalls, entertainment and activities galore.
“We’ll be celebrating the Year of Food and Drink in a big way, so everyone can expect our offering of fresh, local food and drink to be supersized. We can’t wait to see lots of new faces and plenty of returning visitors too.”
The annual fair takes place on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd 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. Under-fives go free.
A special three night camping offer is also in place for 2015 for visitors who want to stay on site and enjoy a whole weekend’s worth of entertainment.
Tickets will go on sale shortly at www.gallowaycountryfair.co.uk. Visit the website for further information and to keep up to date with the latest news.
