The Game Fair 2026: what BASC has in store at Ragley Hall

Every summer The Game Fair brings together thousands of people with one thing in common: a shared passion for the countryside. Whether you come for the shooting, the dogs, the food, the shopping or simply to catch up with friends, it has become the highlight of the rural calendar and a celebration of everything that makes our community unique.

For BASC, however, The Game Fair is much more than a great day out. It is the main opportunity we have each year to engage directly with thousands of members over three days – face-to-face conversations with the people we represent. Those discussions are invaluable. They enable us to hear first-hand what matters most to members, answer questions and explain the work that goes on to protect and promote sustainable shooting. The strength of shooting has always come from the people involved in it, and The Game Fair reminds us just how diverse, knowledgeable and passionate our community really is.

The Game Fair also provides us with an opportunity to engage with politicians and other decision-makers. Inviting them to spend time with us at the show helps us to demonstrate that shooting is about far more than simply a day in the field. It’s about conservation, biodiversity, rural jobs, food production, education and the careful management of the countryside. It’s essential to have those conversations if we’re to ensure that future policy is informed by evidence and experience.

What’s on the BASC stand at The Game Fair 2026

This year, visitors to Ragley Hall will see BASC’s biggest and most ambitious presence yet. Alongside our main stand we’re introducing the new BASC Dome, which will host a packed programme of talks, practical demonstrations and interactive sessions throughout the show. From deer skinning and butchery to gamebird preparation, wild game cookery and expert discussions, it promises to offer something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced Shot or completely new to country sports.

Across the stand, specialists from our firearms, gamekeeping, deer management, wildfowling, uplands, political affairs, communications and training teams will all be available to answer questions and discuss the work they’re doing on behalf of members. Colleagues from Country Sports Scotland will also be joining us.

The Wild Food Theatre once again celebrates one of shooting’s greatest success stories – putting sustainable, healthy wild game on the table. With chefs including Rachel Green and José Souto, alongside guests such as Marco Pierre White, Henry Cole, Dick and Angel Strawbridge and Merlin Griffiths, there’s sure to be plenty to inspire visitors to make more use of game in their own kitchens.

Coaching, scurries and have-a-go at The Game Fair

Away from the demonstrations, visitors can also get involved themselves. The ever-popular Have-a-Go Scurries return for dogs of all breeds and abilities, while our shotgun coaching line and newly designed airgun range offer opportunities for beginners and experienced Shots alike to develop their marksmanship under the skilled guidance of BASC-qualified instructors.

Above all, though, The Game Fair remains about people. It’s all to do with celebrating everything that’s good about the countryside and the communities that care for it. In an increasingly busy world there are few occasions where so many like-minded people can come together, share ideas, learn something new and simply enjoy being in the great outdoors.

If you’re heading to Ragley Hall on 24-26 July, I’d encourage you to stop by the BASC stand. Meet the team, ask us the questions that matter to you and take a look at what we’ve been working on over the past 12 months. We’d be delighted to see you.

Lewis Thornley is BASC’s Central regional director. You can contact him at lewis.thornley@basc.org.uk.