Eagle-eye for spectacular birds at British Falconry & Raptor Fair in Newport

Eagles, hawks, falcons and owls will be on display at the 2016 British Falconry & Raptor Fair in Newport.

The fair in Chetwynd Park will also feature country sports and visitors will also get the chance to get a close-up view of the stunning birds on Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday.

Show co-organiser Bob Dalton, who has 47 years of falconry experience, said the link between humans and birds of prey had a long history.

"It goes back at least 4,000 years," he said.

"There is an image of a man with a hawk on his wrist that was found in Syria and dates from 2000BC.

"The falconry fair serves two purposes. Firstly, as a social gathering for falconers, and secondly, as a way of introducing new people to the sport.

"It's a great event for people to see the birds in action, ask all the questions they need to and discover if it is a sport for them.

"The weekend is a special occasion in the falconry calendar. Visitors will find it fascinating when they experience the close encounter of seeing the grace, beauty and power of the most spectacular birds in the world."

The show has been running for 27 years and has only been postponed once during that time when a showground was flooded.

The fair's focus is birds of prey but it will also include an invitational beagle show, stick dressing, a ferret show, dog agility, novelty dog show and fly-casting.

Shotgun coaching and a variety of shooting activities using airgun targets and black powder guns will also be on offer.

Drinks and refreshments will be available with a funfair, pony rides and amusements for younger children.

The show will run from 10am to 6pm each day, with arena events starting at 11am. Tickets cost £13 and are free for children aged 13 and under accompanied by an adult.

There is also free car parking and dogs on leads are welcome to come along. For details visit www.countryfairs.info