Enjoy best of rural life at castle event, Teesdale Mercury

COUNTRYSIDE lovers will get the chance to spend a day enjoying the best rural sports, crafts and food the UK has to offer at a fair in Teesdale.

 The grounds of Raby Castle, near Staindrop, will play host to this year’s County Durham Game and Country Fair on August 14 and August 15.

A showcase for the best of British produce,  food and traditional country sports, people can sample local food, try their hand at something new and have a day to remember.

A spokesman for the organisers said: “The main arena entertains you non-stop throughout the day, including a parade of hounds and a special guest appearance on Sunday is the Inter Hunt Relay.

“These are supported by plenty of canine action including working dog demonstrations and gun dog handling. And if your very own canine fancies a slice of the action, there’s the hilarious ‘Chase the Bunny’ race, plus a selection of fun classes which will put your pooch’s skills to the test.”

Angling, falconry and archery are just some of the sports involved in the ‘Learn How To’ feature, which offers 20-minute tutorials with some of the country’s biggest names.

Creative types can head over to the Craft Village, where experts will be on hand to give demonstrations in chainsaw carving, bee keeping and stick making.

Shoppers can pick up a bargain at dozens of stalls and then head over to the Countryside arena to catch Simon Pakefield’s popular show.

“Delivered in his own style, the art of ferreting and the welfare of working animals become all too clear,” the spokesman said.

Cookery demonstrations will beheld throughout the day and chef Tony Robinson will explain how to cook game.

The Falconry Village will have a range of magnificent birds of prey, including owls, hawks and sakers. 

Pet lovers are also catered for at The Dog Zone, including dog shows and challenges.

Tickets cost £9 for adults, £8 concessions and £4 children.