This year’s Chatsworth Country Fair proved as special as ever, drawing thousands of people from across the country over the three days
This year’s Chatsworth Country Fair proved as special as ever, drawing thousands of people from across the country over the three days. All the familiar and well-loved attractions were present – vintage cars, fly-fishing, the old-time fairground, falconry displays, massed pipe and military bands, have-a-go clay pigeon shooting, gundog pick-up, and for shoppers the fine food village with delicious local produce, rural crafts and a plethora of top quality trade stands. Olympic rower – and a former member of the team of volunteer Red Socks – Sir Matthew Pinsent was this year’s Country Fair President. Inspiring celebrity TV cooks Tom Kerridge, Mary Berry and Lesley Waters attracted enthusiastic audiences for their demonstrations.
In the Grand Ring highlights were a thrilling display of skill and daring by the White Helmets, Motorcycle Display Team of the Royal Signals, and medieval jousting by the Knights of Arkley. In the air, there was a spectacular parachute display by Jump4Heroes and an appearance by the Spitfire and Hurricane of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight had its usual spine-tingling effect. The sight of soaring hot air balloons in morning and at dusk provided the perfect ‘bookends’ to the day.
This year the Derbyshire Dry Stone Walling Association constructed a wall in tribute to the fallen of World War I.
The 33rd Chatsworth Country Fair again proved both a true celebration and a showcase of the British countryside at its best.
