News

This weekend, 27th and 28th March 2010, will once again welcome the ever-popular Kent Game and Equine Festival to the Kent County Showground, Detling.

This important countryside event, which is supported by the Countryman’s Weekly and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), will be welcoming international show jumper Geoff Billington to the Indoor Equine Arena.

The new Indoor Equine Arena will host an array of equine events and features over the weekend. Geoff will be performing two exciting show jumping demonstrations on each day of the event and will also be available over the weekend for autograph sessions. Saturday sees a sports horse and competition stallion parade and a side saddle demonstration.

The demonstration will provide an introduction to this unique way of riding, the art of jumping side saddle, a ride to music, as well as a display showing that various breeds and types of horses can carry the side saddle. Sunday is equally jam packed featuring a Native Breed stallion parade as well as the Pony Club horse & hound challenge.

Countryside activities are part of the rich fabric that makes up rural life. From fishing to shooting and traditional crafts, right through to delicious locally produced food, rural life will undoubtedly offer something that appeals to everyone, both young and old. It is this diverse appeal that Contour Exhibitions is keen to promote at the Kent Game and Equine Festival this year, while drawing attention to the many local producers, traders and craftsmen that rely on the countryside show circuit to survive. To many, countryside shows such as the Kent Game and Equine Festival, are a safe haven for their skills and crafts to flourish and be preserved.

The Kent Game and Equine Festival is a full day out for the whole family, with a wonderful mix of have-a-go activities, fascinating demonstrations and educational insight. There is falconry, ferrets, cookery, dogs and countryside shopping all indoors and a fabulous range of outdoor activities.

Whether you are a shooting enthusiast, beginner or a complete novice- the 2010 Festival will provide shooting activities, displays, advice and tuition to suit. The show will host Purbeck Shooting on-site clay shoot, the BASC Shooting School and the Airgun Training and Education Organisation who will be providing air rifle coaching.

For all those dog lovers there is a vast range of canine activities on offer. BASC will be running gundog scurries and there will be Gundog training and advice from Warrenby Gundogs as well as a Samsalin dog crèche for visitors who would like to enjoy the shows other attractions. Terrier and Lurcher Show's will be happening over the whole weekend as well as a Hunt Pack Parade (Sunday Only) - a stunning display of regional Hunts.

The Game Cookery Theatre will host expert chefs who will demonstrate how to prepare delicious meals from traditional game meats. Internationally renowned fisherman Charles Jardine, will be demonstrating a Catch-it-Cook-it display, mouth watering meals perfect for a hungry fisherman. Also featuring in the live cookery theatre will be Julien Pursglove and Jill Knowles from the BASC.

The show also hosts a countryside shopping village with over 100 companies –great countryside and equestrian show offers to be had on guns, clothing, tack, fishing equipment, gifts, paintings, food and much more!

Bring the family along for a fabulous day out at a show not to be missed. Whatever the weather there is plenty to see and do!

Discount advance tickets are available by visiting or calling 01749 813899. You can also keep up to date with everything happening at the show. For exhibitor enquiries, please call 01392 421 500.

The Kent Game and Equine Festival
Kent Showground
Detling, Maidstone
Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th March 2010
10.00am – 4.00pm

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2010