Summer highlight: The CLA Game Fair

For the sixth time in the CLA Game Fair’s 57-year history, the hugely popular three-day show is returning to the magnificent Harewood House estate in Yorkshire from Friday July 31 to Sunday August 2.

Built in the 18th century, and nestled within beautiful landscape, Harewood is owned and managed by David and Diane Lascelles, Earl and Countess of Harewood, and has long been a favourite host amongst visitors, both due to its unique setting and its location as the most northerly venue of the event.

As the world’s largest outdoor fieldsports-themed show, the CLA Game Fair boasts a comprehensive have-a-go itinerary, including gundog handling, clay shooting, archery, fly fishing, coarse fishing, falconry, kayaking and ferreting. Plus there’s numerous popup champagne bars, miles of shopping, competitions, live music and hotly contested debates with top rural politicians and celebrities in the Game Fair Theatre.

HERE’S OUR PICK OF TOP ATTRACTIONS:

GUNMAKER’S ROW, For shooting aficionados there is simply nowhere better to be, with many of the most renowned names in gunmaking descending on the showground. From the likes of Longthorne and Holland & Holland – the latter are also showing their new £180,000 Range Rover – to John Rigby & Co., who will have one of the most famous sporting rifles of all time on their stand: the .275 bolt-action. Also, drop into the auctioneer stands of Holt’s and Bonhams to catch a glimpse of the wonderful guns soon to go under the hammer.

GAME FAIR THEATRE, Each year the CLA Game Fair provides a platform for topical rural issues to be debated in front of 150 visitors. The panel of speakers is drawn from the media, countryside organisations and well-known personalities.

ROBUSTO HOUSE CIGAR LOUNGE, Unleash your inner Winston Churchill at the Robusto House Cigar Lounge. Situated on Gunmaker’s Row, the new open-air area will showcase a range of 80 cigar brands, the majority of which are sourced from Cuba.

HELICOPTER SHUTTLE SERVICE, Skip the queues and add to the occasion by arriving by private helicopter. Atlas Helicopters is running a bespoke helicopter charter service from nearby Bramham Park to this year’s CLA Game Fair. Each luxurious helicopter can transport five passengers and the journey takes just six minutes., Visit www.atlashelicopters.co.uk for more details.

CITY SHOTS CHALLENGE, Taking place on the Saturday morning, the City Shots Challenge gives competitively spirited companies the opportunity to participate in one of the most renowned shooting events in the country sports calendar. Run in conjunction with sponsor Charles Stanley and media partners The Gentleman’s Journal, teams of four will tackle two flushes of up to 50 challenging clays each and also enjoy a full day of VIP hospitality. Entry costs £1,200+VAT per team, and the winning team takes the coveted City Shots Trophy and a £2,000 voucher. To book, email robert.sears@cla.org.uk.

For tickets, visit: www.gamefair.co.uk

(Photographs: Tweed Media)

Editor’s Pick…

BEAUFORT & BLAKE

Returning to the CLA this year with their new collection of casual shirts for summer, Beaufort & Blake will be showcasing their printed and classic Oxfords. With their exclusive hand-drawn prints, each one is designed in London. Expect a wide selection of dress shirts, boxer shorts and accessories for men too., beaufortandblake.com

FAIRFAX & FAVOR

The Chelsea boot in brown suede has been a long-time classic, with the signature navy suede panels and chiseled toe making them the perfect boot for work or play. Join them at stand H412 to try them on for yourself and indulge in a glass of Sipsmith Summer Cup while you’re there., fairfaxandfavor.com

CREEL

A truly unique collection of handmade leather accessories using the finest materials and traditional craftsmanship – classic British designs with a modern touch. Take your pick from a selection of wallets, card holders and phone cases in full-grain calf leather, exotic salmon and snake leathers with shot silk linings., creel-leather.com

PERCY IVOR

Founded by James Purnell as a response to his frustration with British brands outsourcing their manufacturing abroad, Percy Ivor offer tailoring, clothing and accessories all made in Britain. With a particular emphasis on tweed, they provide gentlemen with the best of British and their stand at the CLA Game Fair will be no exception., percyivor.co.uk