Please note that due to the current covid restrictions and government guidelines the number of countryside attractions and arena events will be reduced this year. However, the food section of this event has been enhanced and alternative demonstrations added. In the meantime we thank you for your continued support.

Chase The Bunny

A firm Living Heritage Favourite! If your dog loves to chase this could be their moment! Dogs are matched to general size and speed and race to chase the lure around the arena. Great fun to both take part in and to watch – especially when the dogs run in completely the opposite direction, or find a more interesting smell. Don’t worry: your dog won’t be the first and certainly won’t be the last!

Where: Dog Arena

Falconry

Watch these stunning birds of prey as they swoop and soar above the above your heads. Handled by some of the UK’s top falconers, under the leadership of Ben Long Falconry, you will learn how they are flown, used in sport, worked with dogs and you will enjoy out pageant of riders, birds and dogs, all in Tudor costume, and demonstrating falconry on horseback – just as it used to be done.

Again, you are welcome to meet the birds afterwards in the designated Falconry Marquee.

Where: Andy Singleton Arena, Countryside Arena

Gundogs and Falconry Display

Don’t miss the incredibly synergy of these gun dogs and birds of prey working together. Although the dog is a natural predator to the bird, with Paul Makepeace handling the dogs, and Ben Long handling the birds they work together as dogs and birds did in Tudor times.

Where: Andy Singleton Arena, Countryside Arena

Walk Up Shoot

Have you ever wondered exactly what happens on a shoot? This is your chance to find out. With their team of gun dogs in various stages of training, Paul Makepeace of Trochery Gundogs, and Aubrey Ladyman will be taking us through how the dogs are used at every stage, from beating with spaniels, flushing the birds out, through to pointing and retrieval in a variety of tricky situations. They will also be demonstrating how gun dogs – both Spaniels and Retrievers – are trained.

Where: Andy Singleton Arena, Countryside Arena, Dog Arena

Shire Horse Logging

An Interesting arena demonstration illustrating how timber was handled prior to the mechanised systems of work that are standard today. Indeed Shire Horses are still used today where terrain or ground conditions are to extreme to allow motorised access.

The displays are given by Tom & Jo Henfrey and son, the home of “Park Percherons”, Percherons are one of the oldest draft horses in the world originating in western France.

Tom & Jo Henfrey have been British Heavy Horse Driven Champions on many occasions with our pair and team . Having won numerous county shows over the last 40 years , and enjoy giving all kinds of demonstrations.

Where: Countryside Arena

Security Dog Display

In action the Steel City IGP Display Team. A Security Dog Display Team showing the technical skills and tatics used by both the dog and his owner.

Where: Countryside Arena, Dog Arena

Angling Demonstration

We may be lacking in water in the Countryside Arena, but our angling experts Peter Johnson and Barry Grantham will be welcoming young volunteers into the arena to learn about fly casting in this informative demonstration.

If this grabs your interest, head over to our angling marquee where you can book your own individual tuition in the beautiful Burghley House Lake, or ask any questions of our angling experts from Trout and Salmon Conservation UK or the Angling Trust.

Where: Andy Singleton Arena, Countryside Arena

On the Warren with Simon Whitehead

As ferreting is normally carried out in unsociable surroundings and often in solitude, Simon makes full use of the arena demonstration and static display to explain and illustrate why ferreting is fast becoming a more sought-after pastime in the countryside and towns of the UK.

The ferreter is the epitome of the organic and environmentally friendly hunter/gatherer and as such continues to educate about the merits of rabbit as a first class organic, free range meat for the table. A raconteur of some repute, Simon can display, demonstrate and educate his traditional craft that has not only survived the growth in technology but prospered, illustrating why the Pakefield Ferrets motto of “ensuring the tradition of ferreting IS continued for further generations” is long remembered after the final curtain.

Simon will also be in the Country Kitchen to illustrate the merits of rabbits as a sustainable wild food. From harvesting to field dressing, breaking them down to cooking a simple dish, Simon will illustrate why the rabbit is now becoming a much sought-after addition to our diets. Due to the demand for cementing the provenance of his rabbits, Simon is now taking people and groups out to show them the full circle. Harvesting rabbits in an organic manner, breaking them down and cooking them just metres from where they were harvested.

Where: Countryside Arena, Country Kitchen