Hunts from up and down the UK will return to the Festival of Hunting on Wednesday 20^th 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 134^th 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.