BASC Northern Ireland Game Fair

Following the huge success of the 2006 BASC Northern Ireland Game Fair, which attracted record numbers to Ballywalter Park, we are delighted that BASC have decided to continue to hold the Northern Ireland Game Fair here in 2007, 2008 and 2009. We will particularly look forward to the BASC Centenary Fair, which will take place in 2008.

The 2007 BASC Northern Ireland Game Fair will take place on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 May 2007. In response to numerous requests, BASC will be organising special coach trips to the Fair, with pick-up points in Omagh, Enniskillen, Armagh, Londonderry, Limavady, Coleraine, Ballymena and Antrim. The coach ticket price will include admission to the Game Fair and further information and bookings can be made via the dedicated website www.gamefair2007.com or by contacting Imogen at BASC on 028 9260 5050.

In addition to the many established and much loved exhibits and events, BASC are delighted to be introducing a number of new Arena events. These will include:

Mordor Gundogs – Charlie Thorburn, who is based in Perthshire, and runs a renowned gundog training school, will be demonstrating in the main arena and will also be on hand over the two days to meet and chat with gundog enthusiasts from all over Northern Ireland. As this will be Charlie’s first visit to Northern Ireland, we look forward to welcoming him and his 14 dogs to the BASC Northern Ireland Game Fair.

The Frilly Ghillie – BASC NI is excited to introduce The Frilly Ghillie to the Northern Ireland audience for the first time. Heather demonstrates a simulated stalk of a Red deer stag with the help of a volunteer from the audience. The demonstration continues, using a native highland pony to carry the stag off the hill. This method has been used for over 180 years and, in recent years, has almost died out due to the use of quadbikes and argocats. However, it is now becoming more frequently requested on Scottish estates, as shooting clients prefer to see the ponies on the hill as part of their authentic shooting experience. This is a unique opportunity to see this traditional demonstration in the beautiful surroundings of Ballywalter.

The Ballywalter Clickers – A group of gundog trainers, based in the Ards Peninsula, and whose methods of training dogs are based on reward rather than the more traditional physical handling methods. The name “clicker training” is derived from the use of a clicker as a cue to remind the dog of the required behaviour. The Clickers have given demonstrations at shows throughout Northern Ireland and the Border Counties of the Republic and they have appeared on the BBC.

Other attractions will include Mark Wylie & the Drakes of Hazard, Chris Green – the Ultimate Countryman, The Northern Ireland School of Falconry, the Pony Club Games and following on from a very successful debut in 2006, The Hunt Team Chase.

For the shooting enthusiasts, there will be a number of established and new clay competitions including:

First prize:   £1000 – sponsored by Field of Dreams
Runner-up prize: Bettinsoli shotgun - sponsored by Donal McCloy
Third prize:   £300 cash

THE GAME FAIR LADIES TWO-DAY HIGH GUN CHALLENGE

First prize:  £250 cash
Second prize: £150 cash
Third prize:  £100 cash

Qualified BASC Shooting Instructors will once again be on hand to offer coaching and Donal McCloy will be bringing his biggest ever selection of sporting guns to the Game Fair. This will give both new and experienced shooters alike an opportunity to inspect and seek advice from Donal’s experienced team on which gun will best suit their requirements.

For the angler, Fisherman’s Row will once again be much in evidence with the latest in rods & tackle. The Ballywalter Lake will provide opportunities for anglers to test their skills in catching a trout.

As always, there will be a huge tented retail village with exhibitors and traders carrying a huge range of country clothing and accessories to tempt visitors. The vast Food Hall will once again be home to some of Northern Ireland’s finest food producers and retailers, with delicacies from home and abroad to tempt the most discerning of palettes.

Advance tickets are now available for adults through BASC at £6.00 each. Entry for children under 15 and car parking charges are free. Adult admission on the gate will be £8.00 per person.

For further information on the 2007 BASC Northern Ireland Game Fair please check out the website www.gamefair2007.com or contact:

Amanda McCallion or Imogen Craig

BASC Northern Ireland Game Fair 2007

Northern Ireland Game Fair - Irish Country Sports & Living Festival - Ballywalter Park