With less than one month to go, the countdown is on as excitement builds ahead of one of Scotland’s premier country fairs.
Galloway Country Fair – the largest event of its kind in southern Scotland – takes place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August. And with just weeks to go until the big weekend, visitors are being urged not to miss out on the most exciting event in its 16 year history.
Held at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, the show will welcome around 200 quality exhibitors and entertainers across the two days with an impressive host of entertainers. They including TV stunt horses from Atkinson Action Horses – who have appeared in Victoria and Poldark; Grant Bazin, The Horse Whisperer; and Owl Magic as well as the popular return of the Dog & Duck Show.
Visitors to the popular country event can browse stalls showcasing the best country sports, fashion, produce and crafts that Scotland has to offer as well as enjoying the various shows taking place across the weekend.
Making a welcome return in 2017 is the exciting 4×4 route sponsored by Border Cars and those with a flair for cooking will enjoy the Buccleuch Bake Off competition which returns for its third year – and there’s even a special guest appearance and demonstrations from Scottish cookery writer and author Sue Lawrence in partnership with Wigtown Book Festival.
Back by popular demand is the children’s FREE activity zone featuring horse rides on the Blackstone Clydesdales, low ropes course, bouncy castles, Primal Bushcraft & Survival and Puppet Lab’s Forest Creatures Show to name but a few.
Ever popular favourites – which include gundog displays and a scurry provided by Galloway Gundogs, terrier racing, and The Sheep Show –will ensure an unforgettable day at the Fair. John Halstead and his champion Labradors will also be making their GCF debut.
The grand Food & Craft Marquee will also be back this year filled with a variety of fresh produce including quality meats, cheese and much more to suit all tastes. There’s also an array of handmade gifts, homeware, jewellery and artwork to choose from.
Anna Fergusson, Visitor Services Manager at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, said: “We have been working extremely hard to ensure the 2017 Galloway Country Fair is one not to be missed. We have lined up a varied programme of arena entertainment for all the family whilst showcasing the best in country sports – from fishing to shooting, terrier racing, scurries and gundog displays.
“We are confident that our Fair is a real showstopper this year and will be a great day out for new and returning visitors alike.”
Border Cars is once again headline sponsor of the show and Cash for Kids announced as the official charity partner with 20 per cent of proceeds from the GCF programme being donated to the charity. Cash for Kids in partnership with West Sound will host an additional stage of fun and entertainment in an effort to raise awareness and raise much-needed funds across the weekend.
Galloway Country Fair takes place on Saturday 19 August, 10am–6pm and Sunday 20 August, 10am-5pm. Tickets are £13 for adults, £5 for children aged under 16 years, £10 for concessions and £30 for a family pass (two adults and two children). Under-fives go free.
Visitors can also pitch a tent or park their caravan or motorhome in the green field right next to the show, just a short walk from Drumlanrig Castle in the surroundings of the Queensberry Estate. Visit the website for camping pass pricing.
Visit www.gallowaycountryfair.co.uk or the Fairs social media channels on Facebook www.facebook.com/GallowayCountryFair/ and Twitter @GCF_Drumlanrig to keep up to date with the latest news.
