A day at the Game Fair...

Impressive. Amazing. Outstanding.

It's not very often I start an article with those three words... and quite honestly they don't do justice to this event held at Belvoir Castle over the weekend of 22nd July.

As I drove to the fair on the Sunday, grey skies promised a long wet day and to be honest, I was feeling a little jaded with fairs and tackle shows, but as I steadily drew nearer to my destination there were electronic road signs directing me to the event - no getting lost here (I've been know to get lost driving to work!)
Almost there - and some of the local roads had been closed and turned into 'one-way' systems, speedily sending traffic directly to the parking areas. No hold-ups, snarl-ups or getting lost. There was even a radio station you could tune into. How impressive is that?

I was 'marshalled' into car park B and transport was available to drive me the short distance to the entrance if I needed it. Arriving at the entrance (I walked) there were plenty of attendants sorting tickets and giving directions - the excitement was starting to build and the crowds were starting to develop.

Moving quickly through the entrance, the walk to the fair was 'serenaded' by gun shots - all along the left-hand side were clay pigeon shooters. I've never seen so many gun enthusiasts - I live in the country where shooting game is a pretty normal event but there were hundreds of them! It was like November 5th!

Finally I arrived at the fair and I was amazed at the size of the whole event - we're talking huge! There were even street signs directing you to your chosen destination - and of course the Fishing Village was number one destination for me!

Although as determined as I was, I couldn't ignore some of the displays - we're talking world-class here - and it was an hour before I managed to find the fishing village, there was just so much to see and do - dogs, horses, ferrets, 4x4's - (yes - you could try a 4x4!) - anything connected with the countryside - was there. I almost felt guilty rushing past all the exhibitors - but I just had to get to the fishing area before it got too busy, it was definitely an entertainment overload!

Fishing Village
Yep - a fishing village! That's perhaps the best way to describe it. A paradise for anglers. All the names, all the tackle - all in one area. Then the realisation hit me, I should have been here Friday and Saturday, there's no way I could explore all these exhibitors in just one day - help!

I don't really know where to start... trying to describe what was on offer is a little overwhelming. Remember when you were a kid and there was a long, thin present propped against the Christmas tree, you knew it was for you, you knew it was a fishing rod - and you knew you just couldn't wait! That's the feeling I experienced as I stared along the rows of traders.

If it remotely involved fishing - it was there for you to see, try and buy.
Now usually the 'weld' on my wallet is pretty secure, but I have to confess the bargains were irresistible, a serious 'wallet attack' was underway!
Perhaps another fly-rod or maybe a new reel... those nets look good... help!!

Dozens of professional angling coaches were on hand to help develop your angling skills or just to give advice and explain how to best use that new rod you had just bought! These guys certainly know their onions (or wagglers, dibbers and chubbers) - sorry...

I really needed a sit down, all this excitement wasn't good for me, so I headed to the food court were there were plenty of food outlets with lots of appetising goodies on offer, there was even a bar (some anglers have been know to like a half of beer now and again), I stuck to the fresh ground coffee - delicious! But I just had to try a beef and blue cheese pasty - yum!

Refreshed I headed back towards the main show area to have a look what else was on offer, but there was just too much to see and do, I had to rush around just getting a glimpse of what was happening - the event was outstanding, a truly magnificent game fair - for all the family.

I have never attended such an event, the planning and organisation behind the scenes must have been incredible. To say I was impressed is an understatement.

Finally...
At this stage I don't know where the next CLA Game Fair will be held, all I can say is - I'll be there on the first opening day, but I can offer some advice... take your waterproofs (it rained most of Sunday), take the cheque book (the bargains are unbelievable), wear some good walking shoes and buy a catalogue (you'll need it for all the directions and information), OK - this years' catalogue cost a fiver, but there was 260 pages in it!

Until next time

Good fishing

Kevin Miles