This year, Brocklesby Country Fair is going back to its roots, with more outdoor pursuits and locally sourced food than ever before. Reporter LAURA STUART-COOK meets the self-confessed country bumpkins behind the changes.
PUTTING the "country" back into Brocklesby Country Fair is the aim of Emma Would and Clare Herring, who have been drafted in by the estate to refresh this year's event.
Country pursuits will be the focal point of the fair this year, with visitors being able to witness experts in action and try their hand at activities themselves.
Never held a rifle or cast a fly-fishing rod? Then this is your chance.
The whole event will have a rustic, rural theme, with straw bales for seating, a lakeside picnic area for families to relax in and more small, artisan producers than ever.
Clare, of Walesby, said: "The Country Fair began as a humble triathlon competition about 30 years ago, when a few teams gathered at the lake and spent a day picnicking, cycling, shooting and fishing.
"We want to recapture those roots while celebrating everything that's great about Lincolnshire, from the food and producers to the country pursuits.
"It's imperative that we drum up interest in countryside skills, such as shooting and sheep shearing, especially among younger generations, to ensure they aren't lost."
This year's fair – the 28th to be held on the estate – will take place on Sunday, June 23.
A new layout will improve circulation around the showground and open up access to the countryside area and the lakeside picnic patch.
There will be two rings, which will be packed with thrilling displays and demonstrations throughout the day.
The Main Ring will play host to the Stampede Stunt Company, which gives awe-inspiring jousting and stunt riding demonstrations, as well as terrier racing and Ben Potter's acclaimed falconry display.
The Countryside Ring will be home to a terrier show, with visitors being able to show their dogs on the day, as well as carriage driving, a demonstration by angling guru Charles Jardine and a flyball display.
The Countryside Area will play host to archery, clay pigeon shooting, 4x4 driving, a gundog scurry, chainsaw carving and sheep shearing with Richard Savory, from New Zealand.
Daring visitors can pre-register now for the chance to compete in the triathlon, which incorporates a clay flush, reverse 4x4 driving and fly casting.
New attractions for this year include The Market Place, selling artisan Lincolnshire food and drink, including many of the producers who attend the regular farmers' markets at Caistor, Brigg, Lincoln and Market Rasen.
Tom Wood's Beer will return to man the beer tent and in the ever-popular Lunch Marquee – adorned with bunting and fresh flowers – chefs Paula Turnbull and Lizzie Hargreaves will be serving up an informal, home-cooked lunch using produce from Brocklesby kitchen garden.
A dedicated arts and crafts marquee, run in association with Heart Of England, will give local artists the opportunity to showcase their work.
And keen shoppers will want to head for the Country Living area, where a variety of stallholders will offer everything you need for rural life.
The fair wouldn't be complete without equine classes, and Brocklesby Pony Club will be organising an open show incorporating working hunter classes, showjumping and a fun gymkhana.
And after the torrential rain and water-logged ground that blighted last year's fair, Emma and Clare are praying for good weather.
Emma said: "We've booked the sunshine for this year because after all the changes we've made, we want as many people as possible to come along and see what we've done – and they're more likely to do that if the weather is glorious!
"However, we have made sure we're well prepared should the weather be less than perfect, and it will still be a wonderful day out for all the family."
The show will benefit St Andrew's Hospice, in Grimsby, and Grimsby And Cleethorpes Riding For The Disabled.
Entry costs £11 per adult, with under 14s admitted free. Discounts are available for those who pre-book online at www.brocklesby .co.uk/country-fair
Tickets for the lunch marquee, costing £22 for adults and £10 for under-11s, can also be booked via the website.
ON THE WEB: See a picture gallery from previous years at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk
