GWCT Welsh Game Fair celebrates Queen’s life with a gun salute
The GWCT Welsh Game Fair celebrated the life of Her Majesty The Queen with a gun salute in her memory when the three-day event opened this morning (Friday).
The salute took place at 10am in the grounds of the Vaynol Estate, near Bangor which is hosting the inaugural event, and was followed by a two-minute silence.
“Her Majesty’s passion and support for conservation and the countryside will be remembered and celebrated over the next three days of The GWCT Welsh Game Fair,” said a statement from the event organisers.
“Over the years of her reign, she visited the estate on many occasions and her legacy will be remembered by many.
“The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) confirmed His Majesty King Charles as its patron earlier this year. His support and commitment will be felt throughout this weekend as we reflect on a lifetime of hard work, support and profound guidance.”
The event, which celebrates the countryside, conservation and fieldsports, welcomed thousands of visitors today, as the sun shone on the picturesque Vaynol Estate.
The GWCT Welsh Game Fair is organised by Stable Events Ltd in partnership with the GWCT. Money raised at the event, which is open from 9am to 5.30pm daily, will go to support the GWCT’s charitable work.
Fishing, clay shooting, gundogs, game cookery, falconry, horses and hounds and ferrets as well as archery, rural crafts, bushcraft, food and drink feature at the event, which is expected to attract more than 20,000 people.
Three days of topical debate are being held in the GWCT Nick Williams Theatre, with key speakers involved in conservation, shooting, farming, landscape management and food. Full details at https://www.welshgamefair.org/gwct-nick-williams-theatre
One of the speakers tomorrow (Saturday) is leading Welsh celebrity chef Bryn Williams who is also creating a bespoke menu for guests in a VIP Enclosure White Park Restaurant – aptly named after the famous Vaynol Cattle – sponsored by Clogau, the iconic Welsh jewellery brand.
Bryn isn’t the only top chef who is displaying his culinary skills at the event. Hywel Griffith, Simon Wood, Cindy Challoner and Gareth Johns will be cooking up a storm in the BASC Wild Food Theatre. Cai ap Bryn from Game & Flame will be showing visitors how to prepare game and cook on open fires.
A wide range of attractions, displays, shopping trade stands – including a Gunmakers’ Row – and family entertainment, all with a countryside theme, await visitors.
The GWCT Welsh Game Fair aims to foster greater communication and co-operation between sectors and promote the benefits of country pursuits and conservation to a wider audience.
Picture caption:
The gun salute tribute to the Queen at the GWCT Game Fair this morning.