Autumn Show & Game Fair Returns To Ardingly

The Autumn Show & Game Fair 2021 will return to the South of England Showground in Ardingly, this Saturday and Sunday (Oct 2 & 3).

It's all about "having a go" at the fair, which was cancelled last year due to Covid restrictions.

But visitors will be able to get hands-on again at the fair next month, which will feature clay pigeon shooting, fly fishing, air rifle shooting, archery, axe throwing and more.

There will also be falconry demonstrations, skilled gundog displays and scurries and terrier races where visitors’ dogs can have a go too.

The main ring will feature cavalry displays from Sussex Yeomanry, the Cavalcade of Hounds and gundog training.

The celebration of countryside sports and the Autumn harvest is put on by The South of England Agricultural Society and offers demonstrations and displays. 

There'll also be market stalls by local and independent food producers as well as stalls providing cooked food for eating on-site.

For the kids, there's an activity trail, traditional funfair, pony rides, and synchronised kite flying displays.

You'll also be able to see unique vintage agricultural machinery - Scammell and traction engines will also be on display to recreate and educate about a bygone era.

The Society’s education team will be highlighting The Queen’s Green Canopy at the show, the project to plant trees from October 2021 to mark their patron’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, alongside the Woodland Trust who will be joining them.

Corrie Ince, Show Director at The South of England Agricultural Society, commented:

“Following the success of the South of England Show earlier this year we are confident that we can host another action-packed event.

"We have been deemed a ‘Good to Go’ venue by Visit England and we will continue to closely follow the latest government guidelines as safety remains of utmost importance for this and any show we hold.

“It is very exciting that we can offer our visitors a true hands-on experience of the countryside this year after not being able to do so fully in 2020.

“What most people don’t realise is that the South of England Agricultural Society is a charity and profits from this show help towards our work in showcasing the countryside to the public and supporting people across the South with an interest or involvement in agriculture and other related land-based industries.

"We inspire schoolchildren to learn about the land and where their food comes from, offer travel bursaries for people working in the farming sector and provide grants to students and colleges in the land-based sector – so, when you buy a ticket for the Autumn Show & Game Fair, you will also be doing your bit to help.”

Tickets are limited and are only available online, in advance at www.seas.org.uk.

Costs are: £11.70 for adults, £9.90 for senior citizens/students (inclusive of 10% online discount until midnight 24.9.21) - under 16s go free (suggested donation of £1 for children aged 5-15).

Dogs are welcome although they will not be admitted to indoor areas.

For more information, visit www.seas.org.uk or telephone 01444 892700 or follow @SouthEngShows on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter