Game fair spectacle draws the crowds

The event, of which the Yorkshire Post is media partner, is making a name for itself as one of the best hunting, shooting and fishing fairs in the country.

The Yorkshire Game Fair looks to bring the excitement of the countryside alive for visitors to the event of all ages.

People were able to see a number of displays from falconry to seeing working whippets put through their paces to angling and gundog displays. They also got the chance to come face-to-face with birds of prey, pick up tips on how to improve their fly-fishing skills and witness ferret racing.

Among those taking part in displays was Martin Spilsbury, joint master and huntsman of Airedale Beagles, who led his set of beagles out of the main ring.

Ben Potter from Thirsk, the Yorkshire Game Fair’s official falconer, brought along Roxy, a white-tailed sea eagle which was used to entertain the public in another display.

Mr Potter also brought a number of other birds to the event, which took place yesterday and is also taking place today in the grounds of historic Harewood House. When not taking part in displays they were on show in the show’s falconry village.

A spokesman for the event said: “When we started the Yorkshire Game Fair three years ago little did we realise how it would progress so swiftly.

“We have tried to create a game fair where having taken a modern approach the maximum opportunity for participation is made available to all our guests regardless of age,” the spokesman added.

Among those participating in events was 11-year-old Ed King, from Leeds, who got the chance to shoot a muzzle-loading gun, while members of the Yorkshire Power Burners Club, from Skipton, who were at the event, gave him some guidance and advice.