THE NATIONAL Game Fair Ltd have announced the launch of the first ever GWCT Welsh Game Fair, to be held at Faenol Estate near Bangor from 9-11 September.

The popular annual gathering already takes place in England (The Game Fair) and Scotland (The Scottish Game Fair), and has been organised in partnership with leading conservation charity The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).

The event is set to be a great promotion for the Welsh countryside, as well as the culture and heritage of Wales.

The Game Fair will also bring together representatives from a range of conservation, farming, field sports and fishing bodies for debates on Welsh rural issues, with the aim to foster greater communication and cooperation between sectors and promote the benefits of country pursuits and conservation to a wider audience.

Feature fishing, clay shooting, gundogs, game cookery, falconry, horses and hounds, as well as rural crafts, food and drink, visitors can look forward to a wide range of attractions, displays, live debates, shopping at hundreds of trade stands and family entertainment, all with a countryside theme.

The Clay Shooting Line and Gunmakers Row, both extremely popular elements of the Scottish and National Game Fairs, will feature alongside a wealth of Welsh produce.

The National Game Fair Ltd managing director James Gower said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be able to share the news that we are planning the first ever Welsh Game Fair in partnership The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.

“Wales has some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside which is home to people passionate about the landscape and the country pursuits taking place in it.

“It’s high time we shone a spotlight on the Welsh countryside and this event is the perfect way to do it.

“I look forward to sharing more details with exhibitors and visitors alike in time but can confirm that all the elements which contribute to the success of our established game fairs will be in place at the Faenol Estate come September.”

GWCT Director for Wales Sue Evans said: “This is a truly exciting announcement for the Welsh countryside and the people who live and work in it.

“The GWCT Welsh Game Fair will help us bring together people from all the different sectors which care for and work in rural Wales and engage more people with the benefits of game management for conservation.

“I can’t wait to see visitors exploring the beautiful Faenol Estate with Snowdonia as a backdrop for showcasing the best of what the countryside has to offer.”

Planning for the GWCT Welsh Game Fair is well underway, and more details will be announced in the coming weeks and months.