The GWCT Welsh Game Fair: 10 unmissable things to do

The first ever GWCT Welsh Game Fair  will shine a much-needed spotlight on the issues facing fieldsports in the area. (Subscribe to Sporting Gun today and you’ll get two free tickets.)

The stunning setting, tucked between the foot of Snowdon and the north Welsh coastline, coupled with an exciting lineup of activities, displays and competitions mean this inaugural game fair for Wales is set to be an unmissable event and act as an important fundraiser for the Game  & Wildlife Conservation Trust, a charity that conducts vital research into Wales’ most vulnerable species such as woodcock and sea trout.

10 must-sees at the GWCT Welsh Game Fair

1. Bryn Williams’ White Park Restaurant

Celebrity chef, author and Welsh native Bryn Williams has created a bespoke menu for guests and will be taking part in live, open-air cooking demonstrations throughout the weekend. Bryn is regarded as one of Wales’ best chefs, has hosted several successful cooking series with Welsh-language television channel S4C and is a passionate advocate for sustainable, field-to-fork fare, all of which makes him the perfect partner for the Welsh Game Fair. Bryn’s menu is set to include Welsh game and local produce, ensuring visitors are treated to a truly local, sustainable and downright delicious meal.

2. Fishing

Keen anglers and those on the hunt for more information about fishing can enjoy casting displays and lessons, as well as watch some of the best anglers in the UK compete to be crowned best of all. All different strands of fishing will be represented by experts and enthusiasts, with a large shopping area giving visitors the chance to stock up.  There will also be the opportunity to enjoy fly fishing lessons from legendary Welsh angler Hywel Morgan and watch the fine hand skill of fly-tying.

3. Clay shooting

Clay pigeon shooting ground E.J. Churchill will be running the clay line at the inaugural GWCT Welsh Game Fair, which will feature an exciting blend of have-a-go stands, sporting challenges, flurries and competitions, all set in an unrivalled location with Snowdon towering in the background.

4. The Main Arena

Visitors can expect the Clwyd Axemen, fly fishing demos, terrier racing, a dog and duck show, wildfowling demos, hound parades, and demonstrations of one of the oldest fieldsports in existence, falconry. There will also be a knockout flyball competition with dogs demonstrating amazing training skill and speed as they race to collect a tennis ball over a course of hurdles.

5. GWCT stand

A must visit for those keen to learn more about the charity’s work. The GWCT stand will also be hosting an array of captivating wildlife art and sporting books thanks to the involvement of the Redspot artists and Coch-y-Bonddu Books.

6. Gundogs

The gundog area is set to be a very popular attraction at the GWCT Welsh Game Fair, showcasing the amazing bond between these highly trained dogs and their handlers. As well as working dog displays and gundog experts on hand to answer questions, there is set to be a range of competitions taking place throughout the weekend.

On Friday 9 September there will be an open retriever test with a top prize of £100 up for grabs, and on the Saturday and Sunday the exciting Four Nations International returns for a third round, after rounds one and two were contested at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair and The Game Fair respectively. The Four Nations International sees spaniel and retriever teams from Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales compete head-to-head, with prizes on offer for top retriever, top spaniel and top dog as well as for the winning team. With England triumphing in round one and Ireland taking the top spot in round two, who will win round three in Wales?

7. Falconry

Falconry is one of the oldest and the longest surviving of all the fieldsports, and it is simply spellbinding to watch.

8. The Ineos Grenadier

The rugged INEOS Grenadier is a truly capable and no-nonsense vehicle and thanks to a new sponsorship agreement between INEOS Grenadier and the GWCT Welsh Game Fair, both the two-seat utility wagon and a five-seat station wagon variant will be on show for visitors.

9. Have-a-go experiences

The GWCT Welsh Game Fair will give visitors the chance to have a go at a range of sports including archery and paintballing. Car and machinery enthusiasts both young and old will delight in the Diggerland and Mini Land Rover Experiences, both of which are set to be a very popular attraction.

10. Country-inspired shopping and crafts

An amazing array of craftspeople, food and drinks producers and brands are set to exhibit at the GWCT Welsh Game Fair, giving visitors the chance to snap up new clothing, gifts, homewares and Welsh artisan food and drink.

Need to know

The inaugural GWCT Welsh Game Fair will take place from 9-11 September 2022 at Vaynol Estate, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 4BL.

Tickets for 2022

Single day advance
• Adult: £15
• Child (under 8yrs): Free
• Child (8-16): £6
• Family ticket: £38

Three-day tickets advance
• Adult three day: £35
• Child three day: £15
• Family three day: £105

Camping: £99