CountrySports Fair makes return to Scarvagh House

7957: Cllr Seamus Doyle, Paul Berry, Fair Director Derek Lutton, Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council Lord Mayor Cllr Darryn Causby, Karl Henry and Ralph the Owl, Willie Edgar, Glenn Ross, Vina Buller, William Buller, Cllr Jim Speers, Cllr Junior McCrum and Tommy Mayne (BASC)

The event celebrates all that is great about rural life, and has received extensive support from Tourism NI and the ABC Council since its move to Scarvagh House last year.

With visitor numbers expected to exceed 18,000 and trade stand space almost sold-out, the event organisers hosted a celebratory event to brief sponsors and stakeholders on plans for the weekend.

Combining traditional rural crafts and competitive country sports the two-day event has earned a unique reputation amongst both city and country dwellers.

For 2016’s event, visitors can look forward to high octane demonstrations from acts including, The Trial Star Motorcycle Display team and Phoenix Falconry plus family-fun activities such as the ‘Scruff’s Pet Show’ and the ever-popular ‘Strong Man Competition’.

For country sport enthusiasts, the traditional competitive country sports competitions will be on offer, which will include new dog challenges and the return of the Hunt-Chase Qualifier for the Royal Dublin Horse Show. Commenting on the growth of the Fair over the years, Event Director Derek Lutton said: “2016 marks our second year at Scarvagh House.

“This year’s Fair is set to be bigger and better than ever and attract even more visitors into the ABC council area.

“We have over 150 exhibition stands confirmed and have seen an 20% percentage uplift in traders from GB.”

In speaking about what new elements will be on offer for guests this year, Derek said: “This year we will be hosting the Fair’s first Country and Western evening on the Saturday (28th).

“We’re also bringing the World’s First Ferret Grand National to Scarva – something never seen before in Northern Ireland! We look forward to welcoming visitors both old and new to the event.”

Councillor Darryn Causby, Lord Mayor from the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council said: “We are delighted to welcome back the Northern Ireland CountrySports Fair to Scarvagh House again this year – which will attract crowds right into the heartland of the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon area. “A tremendous amount of effort has gone into the event from the Fair’s organisers and we have no doubt that the Fair will once again be a resounding success.

“We look forward to welcoming the crowds and look forward to seeing what this year’s Fair has to offer.”

For further information on the event please visit www.countrysportsfairs.com.