Country life celebrated at Midland Game Fair - video and pictures

Attractions at the event in Weston-under-Lizard, on the Staffordshire-Shropshire border, included performances by The Knights of Middle England, Ye Olde Redtail Falconry, as well as music by the Coventry Corps of Drums.

There was also a traditional hound parade and the Folk Roots Festival across three stages.

Visitors enjoyed the Prince Albert Angling Fishing Village, a working dog village, falconry village, the food festival and Beer in the Park.

WATCH: Visitors flock to 2018 game fair

The show included the popular Festival of Shooting, where expert tuition was available in the airgun range, airsoft range and at the Clay Shooting Festival.

Organised by Countryman Fairs, who said said there had been a rise in ticket sales this year, other attractions included ferret racing, gold panning and a pet dog show, inflatables and rural crafts.

There were hundreds of trade stands selling the latest in countryside goodies and outdoor wear and accessories.

Among those enjoying the attractions were Steve Holmes, who came with his wife Jane, 47, and daughter Maddy, 13.

The 51-year-old, of Telford, said: "There something for everyone here, it's great.

"We've had a look at a few of the stalls, we've had something to eat, we watched the falconry show. It's packed. There's lots of people here."

Birds of prey

The falconry classrooms were a huge hit with visitors, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with hawks, falcons and owls.

Hosted by seasoned demonstrator 69-year-old Terry Large, from Wrexham, the classrooms provided a vast amount of experience in handling and keeping birds of prey.

And in the falconry arena there were demonstrations and displays from some of the UK’s top falconers, supported by leading retailers and manufacturers.

Adrian Crosby, of Hednesford, said he had been coming to the event for the past 30 years.

The 53-year-old, who came with his wife Lyn, 66, on Saturday, said: "It's a good game fair.

"I'm a country bumpkin so I enjoy it, it's a good day out.

"We generally watch the working dogs, I've got a working dog at home.

"There's plenty to see for how much you pay."

Dogs on show

The terrier and lurcher competitors were also a popular draw, with the game fair home to The Countryman’s Weekly Champion of Champions for earth and running dogs.

The racing events took place in the mornings over the weekend, with lurchers shown on Saturday and terriers shown on Sunday.

Peter Drake, 48, had travelled with family and friends all the way from Keighley in West Yorkshire.

He said: "We come now nearly every year.

"You meet people who you haven't seen for a while.

"We've been up to watch the lurcher show. There's been a good turnout."

A survival camp, fun fair and cookery theatre also featured during the two-day extravaganza.

There was also field sports arena featuring a pigeon plucking competition, gun safety demonstration and a display of vintage traps and guns.

• The game fair is running until 6.30pm on Sunday, with last entry at 3.30pm.