Experienced North Wales falconer looking forward to GWCT Welsh Game Fair

A North Wales falconer who displays his birds of prey at events and special occasions across the country, is delighted that the first ever GWCT Welsh Game Fair is coming to his doorstep.

John Islwyn Jones, who runs Pen-y-Bryn Falconry at  Betws Gwerfyl Goch near Cerrigydrudion, is supporting the new game fair which will be held at Vaynol Estate, Bangor from September 9-11.

In partnership with The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), the GWCT Welsh Game Fair is being organised by Stable Events Ltd, which also organises The Game Fair in Warwickshire and The GWCT Scottish Game Fair in Perthshire.

Money raised at the Welsh event will support the GWCT’s charitable work and give a welcome boost to the region, with tourism and visitors contributing to the local economy.

“It’s fantastic to have the GWCT Welsh Game Fair coming to such a great location on my doorstep here in North Wales,” said John Islwyn, a falconer for 25 years. “I have displayed at game fairs in the past but never here in Wales.

“So many Welsh people regularly travel to the Midlands to attend The Game Fair. Now they have a chance to attend a game fair here in Wales too which has some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK.”

He enjoys meeting people from all walks of life at the events he attends and is also a motivational speaker.

“I am lucky enough to have been able to make a living out of my hobby,” said John Islwyn. “I feel that I have changed people’s perception of birds of prey and my birds help many people to regain their confidence and to overcome many things that have happened in their lives.”

Fishing, clay shooting, gundogs, game cookery, falconry, horses and hounds, as well as rural crafts, food and drink will feature at the event, which is expected to attract people passionate about the countryside, country pursuits and conservation.

Leading Welsh celebrity chef and author Bryn Williams, originally from Denbigh, will be creating a bespoke menu for guests in a VIP Enclosure White Park Restaurant, sponsored by Clogau, and taking part in live, open-air cooking demonstrations throughout the weekend.

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 event will be a fantastic shop window for the Welsh countryside and promote the unique culture and heritage of Wales. It will also bring together representatives from a range of conservation, farming, field sports and fishing bodies for debates on Welsh rural issues.

The aim is to foster greater communication and co-operation between sectors and promote the benefits of country pursuits and conservation to a wider audience.

Picture caption:

John Islwyn Jones of Pen-y-Bryn Falconry.