Monthly Archives: April 2022

Countryside Alliance becomes a key sponsor of the Festival of Hunting

Posted on by

The Countryside Alliance is delighted to announce that it has become a key sponsor of the Festival of Hunting which returns to the East of England Showground on 20th July 2022.

The Festival of Hunting will encompass the 134th Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show where the very best hounds from across the country will be expertly shown to the judges, with every pack hoping to claim the prestigious championship doghound or bitch hound titles.

Recognised as the annual showcase for the world of hunting, there will be hounds representing over 100 packs from across the UK at this year’s Festival. These include championship classes and displays of Foxhounds, Harriers, Beagles, Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, Draghounds and Terriers, with Fell Hounds, Stag Hounds and coursing dogs also in attendance.

Tim Bonner, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance said: “As long-term supporters of the Festival of Hunting and the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show, the Countryside Alliance is delighted to have become a key sponsor of this truly unique celebration of hounds. The Alliance is committed to protecting the future of all lawful hunting activities and we look forward to welcoming our members and supporters to this year’s event.”

Richard Bramley, Chairman of the East of England Agricultural Society, said: “As an organiser of the event we have always been strongly supported by the Countryside Alliance with the Festival of Hunting, therefore it gives me great pleasure announcing they have agreed to strengthen this even further by becoming a key sponsor from 2022. As an organisation, their splendid work benefits all of the hunting and rural community and I hope everyone attending this year’s event at the East of England Showground will be sure to show their support and thanks to the CA team by visiting their stand opposite the main hunt marquee.”

The hotly contested and ever-popular inter-hunt team relay competitions for junior and senior teams will also take place throughout the course of the day. With two opposing teams racing against the clock over a mirror image set of fences in a knock-out competition, hunts from all over the country will be vying to claim the top prize.

With a vast array of trade stands plus refreshments and a bar, this event is not to be missed. Tickets for this year’s event are now available HERE.

Picnic hampers at the ready for the Festival of Hunting Hunt Picnic competition

Posted on by
Best Hunt Picnic Stirrup Cup winners, the Warwickshire Hunt – L-R Alix Speir, Chloe Speir, Jane Hall, Charmian Green and Valerie Cockburn – photo credit Hattie Austin

Hunts from up and down the UK will return to the Festival of Hunting on Wednesday 20th July 2022, with the opportunity to relax and catch up with friends at the back of the hunt horse trailer after the morning’s classes one of the highlights of the day.

Whilst primarily a relaxed affair, the Hunt Picnic competition – with prizes from local food writer, Jenny Jefferies, as well as goodies from local food and drink producers, and the ‘Stirrup Cup’ up for grabs – has become a hotly contested event over the years, with the Warwickshire Hunt taking the top gong in 2021.

This year’s Hunt Picnic competition will be judged by Country Life Chief Subeditor, Octavia Pollock, and author of ‘For the Love of the Land’ and ‘For the Love of the Sea’ cookbooks, Jenny Jefferies.

Mrs Alix Speir MFH co-organised the Warwickshire Hunt’s winning picnic last year, which was praised for its focus on home-grown produce, with fresh raspberries, tomatoes, strawberries and home-reared beef all on offer and displayed beautifully. Mrs Speir MFH says: “The key to a good picnic is to get everyone involved and ask them all to make something. We had lots of homegrown produce and of course plenty of coronation chicken! Those who can’t cook bring the refreshments!”

“The Warwickshire Hunt picnic was started by Charmian Green and our success is definitely a testament to her superb organisation over the years.  It is a great summer get together for those who love their hounds.”

Last year, 25 packs of hounds and over 5,000 spectators were in attendance for this countryside spectacle, and the East of England Agricultural Society, organisers of The Festival of Hunting, along with the Chairman and committee of The Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show Society, hope to build on the success of last year’s Festival as it returns to the East of England Showground, Peterborough, supported by the Countryside Alliance.

Host to the prestigious 134th Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show, the Festival welcomes Foxhound packs from across the country to this distinguished competition, which also hosts classes for Beagles, Harriers, Basset Hounds, Draghounds and Bloodhounds. Whilst primarily a foxhound show, the Festival of Hunting offers something for everyone in the wider hunting community, including the popular Young Handler Class and the fast-paced Inter-Hunt Relay.

Spectators are well-served too, with this year’s ‘Local Larder’ food and drinks suppliers promising a range of opportunities to enjoy catching up with friends and acquaintances from across the hunting community. There is also a range of retail trade stands, with everything from high-quality hunting apparel to country clothing, art and gifts.

Admission to the Festival of Hunting will be by prior online ticket sales only and you can buy your ticket by CLICKING HERE.

All press enquiries should contact amy@artheyassociates.co.uk or 07858 656444.