You could strike gold this weekend at the Galloway Country Fair – the fun and fabulous annual celebration of all that’s best about country and family life.
As ever there will be lots to do and see, from spectacular motorbike stunts, horseback acrobatics and gundog displays through to arts, crafts, artisan foods and cookery demonstrations.
Then there’s the hugely popular Kids’ Zone – where many of the activities are free.
The weekend-long event takes place at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, Dumfries and Galloway, on 12 & 13 August, and following last year’s success will again host Defender Jam, a giant jamboree of all things Land Rover.
New for 2023 the fair will welcome the team from the Museum of Lead Mining in Wanlockhead, which is located in the hills above Drumlanrig – an area that has attracted gold prospectors for hundreds of years.
Visitors to the fair can try their hands at panning – the technique used to find gold flakes and nuggets in the area’s burns and rivers. Indeed local gold has been used in Scotland’s royal crowns, its coins and more recently in the mace of the Scottish Parliament.
And there will be the welcome return of chef Nick Morris, of Kirkcudbright’s Station House Cookery School who will be showing people how to cook the perfect steak and sides, and venison (with meat from Threepwood Game who will also be on site).
But one of the biggest attractions – in every sense – will be the Clydesdale horses. These equine giants will offering visitors free carriage rides and the chance to meet the horses.
This year they are the fair’s chosen cause with all proceeds from the programme being donated Blackstone Clydesdales, whose vision is to let visitors experience the magic of Clydesdales and learn about their lives.
Anna Fergusson, Drumlanrig Estate Director, said: “This year’s Galloway Country Fair is going to be more fun than ever – with huge amounts to see and do.
“It makes a super day out for all the family – and that includes the dogs – with everything from the excitement of our arena events to superb food, drink, arts, crafts and country clothing.
“There will be loads of animals – you can even see if you can keep up with the sheep taking part in the Lamb National race.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone to Drumlanrig for this annual celebration of Scottish country living.”
Weekend highlights will include:
- Riders of the Storm – daredevil equine acrobatics.
- Flyin’ Ryan – amazing motorbike stunts
- The Lamb National – sheep racing, with the chance for you to take part
- The Sheep Show – fun facts and dancing sheep (SATURDAY ONLY)
- Great food and drink plus cooking demos
- The Craft Marquee.
And especially for dog lovers there will be:
- The Buccleuch Dog Show, on Sunday, which has two categories – one for gundogs and another for everything else.
- Skills displays from international gundog trainer Lee Hartis.
- Gundog scurries – open to every kind of dog that wants to have a go.
- Retriever and spaniel tests, putting highly trained working dogs through their paces.
Galloway Country Fair sponsors include SP Energy Networks, Foresight, Community Wind Power Ltd, and Lloyd Ltd.
Visitors can save 10% off gate prices by booking online before Saturday 12th August.
Visit www.gallowaycountryfair.co.uk for further information and keep up to date with the latest news, or check out @GallowayCountryFair on Facebook and Instagram.
