Red Arrows to Open Chatsworth Country Fair in a Blaze of Red
Over 70,000 visitors are expected to flock to Chatsworth as aerobatic pilots, daredevil motorbike riders, vintage cars, hot air balloons, knights, horses, hounds, birds of prey and piped bands come together to create a packed family programme spread over three days at the Chatsworth Country Fair.
The spectacular Red Arrows take to the skies to open the fair on Friday 3 September, as one of England's most popular outdoor events returns for its 29th year. The aerobatic pilots, renowned throughout the world as ambassadors for the Royal Air Force since the team officially formed in 1965, will artfully decorate the skies against the backdrop of the Chatsworth parkland.
A dramatic costumed display of medieval jousting by The Knights of the Damned will provide one of the highlights in a varied programme of entertainment in the grand ring.
Heroic mounted knights and their squires enter a tournament which begins with fanfares and ends with the dramatic thundering of hooves as the knights try to unhorse each other in a joust.
Another grand ring highlight will be provided when The Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team roar into the grand ring on 30 hand-built British Millennium Triumph 750cc motorcycles. Spectators will be treated to a heart-stopping display as man and machine pass within millimetres of one another at speeds of up to 80 mph. The team combines high-speed action with feats of balance, death-defying crossover rides and outstanding acrobatics.
As well as a feast of entertainment, the Country Fair gives visitors an opportunity to get stuck in to a whole variety of activities from archery and clay pigeon shooting to game fishing and dog shows. Many of the activities come with tuition and demonstrations, so beginners are more than welcome.
Held in the 1000 acre park on the banks of the river Derwent, the three day event in September is packed full of things to watch, do and try, and gives visitors a real flavour of life in the countryside.
Country Fair president Alan Titchmarsh will lead the opening ceremony on Friday 3 September at 12pm and will be out and about greeting the crowds at the fair throughout the day.
The grand ring provides a focus with an exciting and varied programme of entertainment running from 10.30am to 6.30pm on all three days.
With a Fine Food Village including cookery demonstrations from top chefs, over 300 varied trade stands and rural crafts, and lots of events around the showground from terrier racing to horse driving, this is an event that will deliver a great day out for all the family.
Tickets are £13 for Friday, £15 for Saturday and £15 on Sunday, children under 14 enter for free when accompanied by an adult. Gates open at 9am with the closing ceremony at 5.30pm on Friday, 6.00pm on Saturday and 6.15pm on Sunday. Car parking is free and dogs are welcome on a lead. Discounted advance tickets can be bought online, by visiting www.chatsworthcountryfair.co.uk. The farmyard and adventure playground will be closed during this event, although they will have a strong presence on their stand at the Country Fair. The house, garden, stables shops, restaurant and the farm shop in Pilsley are open as normal.
Chatsworth is 8 miles north of Matlock off the B6012. It is 16 miles from the M1 Junction 29, signposted via Chesterfield (follow brown signs), 42 miles from the M6 Junction 19 and 30 mins from Chesterfield rail station. For more information visit www.chatsworth.org.
Ends
Notes to Editors:
• Preview filming/radio/photography of the fair set-up available in the week run up to opening. Contact Redbrick to make arrangements.
• At event interviews with Alan Titchmarsh available at the Country Fair Friday 3 September. Contact Redbrick to book a slot.
• Pre-event interviews also available with the Duke of Devonshire, organisers of the Country Fair and the Chatsworth team. Contact Redbrick to book a slot.
• Media are welcome to attend the event (press passes are required). Press pass requests must be submitted by emailing lizb@redbrickcommunications.com or helenm@redbrickcommunications.com with name; publication; address and day(s) you would like to attend.