This illustrates the real value of shooting

With perfect weather conditions and its return to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, the Game Fair welcomed more than 120,000 visitors, who were treated to a three-day festival of the countryside. And what a show it was. 

BASC’s presence was bigger and better than ever. The main stand was adorned with informative displays featuring departments such as gamekeeping, deer management, conservation, wildfowling and firearms. Our specialists handled thousands of inquires on a range of subjects, including the lead shot transition, firearms licensing, General Licences and the new Government. 

Our membership services team was kept busy, both by hundreds of members renewing and new members joining. We’re delighted to welcome so many new members and thank all of those who’ve become part of the BASC family for their support. 

The Game Fair also provides us with a unique platform to invite decision-makers and those who have influence within our sector. We hosted 29 Members of Parliament, many of them newly elected Labour MPs. We took the opportunity to show them a snapshot of our sector, highlighting the benefits that shooting brings and engaging in discussion around the key issues that may impact the future of the sport. Some even had a lesson at our clay shooting line, which is a great way to introduce them to the sport. 

Showcase 

The BASC Wild Food Kitchen Theatre was once again a huge success. It was standing room only as top chefs attracted large crowds each day with their cookery demonstrations. Each showcased game meat and the benefits of cooking with this delicious sustainably sourced produce. Interaction with the audience was fantastic, with many people taking the opportunity to speak with the chefs afterwards. Celebrities who joined us this year included Escape to the Chateau stars Dick and Angel Strawbridge, JB Gill of JLS boyband fame and First Dates barman Merlin Griffiths. 

In keeping with the wild food theme, BASC also arranged for game tasters to be made and served to passersby from a tepee next to its main stand. This was very well received by those who stopped by for a tasty bite. 

Our shotgun coaching line was as popular as ever, with a surge in online bookings for lessons ahead of the Game Fair. From complete novices to experienced Shots, 488 people came for a lesson with one of BASC’s shotgun coaches. The BASC airgun range was also well used, with more than 500 visitors including many youngsters taking their first shots with BASC. 

The BASC gundog scurries are always popular and we welcomed hundreds of entrants over the three days. There were many different working dog breeds with handlers of all ages taking part. Lots of fun was had running dogs across the four exciting scurry areas, with many also entering the daily competition for the chance to win some fantastic prizes. 

There was a great positive atmosphere around the showground at this year’s Game Fair. It clearly demonstrates the continued enthusiasm and passion people have for the countryside and fieldsports. The recently launched Value of Shooting report details some of the latest facts and figures associated with shooting, such as its substantial benefits to the UK economy and how many people are involved in shooting and conservation. This enthusiasm was clearly visible all around the show. 

Families from all backgrounds had a great time at Blenheim Palace and came together with like-minded people to enjoy a common interest. The Game Fair remains the flagship countryside event of the year and long may it continue.