Over 1,500 hounds representing 101 packs from up and down the country and
overseas will be taking centre stage at the Festival of Hunting on July 19
at the East of England Showground in Peterborough.
Visitors will be able to see the greatest gathering of hounds the country
has ever seen and join in a ‘Celebration of Hunting’, encompassing displays
of Foxhounds, Harriers, Beagles, Bassets, Mink, Fell, Old English, Welsh,
Drag and Blood Hounds.
Coursing supporters will have a strong presence with Greyhounds, Whippets,
Salukis, Whippets, Deerhounds and Lurcher displays, alongside Working Hunt
Terriers and an Inter Hunt Team Relay - the largest ever held, with a total
of 64 teams competing for a top prize of £1000.
Andrew Mercer, Secretary of the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show Society,
said, "After the enormous support given to last year’s festival, we are
looking forward to hosting an even bigger and better event this year,
demonstrating the growing support for hunting and its most precious asset –
the working hound."
Andrew Mercer went on to say, "The festival is a Celebration of Hunting. It
has an important role in promoting the breeding and care of the very best
hounds in the UK and has successfully captured the enthusiasm of the hunting
community who have entered in this year’s event".
There will also be the chance to enjoy over 70 specialist trade exhibitors
and the atmosphere of the Gundog and Utility judging at the East of England
Championship Dog Show on the Showground, taking place from Tuesday 18th – Thursday 20th July 2006.
The Festival of Hunting encompasses the 118th Peterborough Royal Foxhound
Show; the National 101st Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles
Show; and the 64th Annual Show of the Masters of Basset Hounds Association
and is organised by the East of England Agricultural Society in conjunction
with the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show Society and the Association of
Masters of Harriers and Beagles.
Advanced tickets are priced at Adult £5.50 and children (under the age of
16, accompanied by an adult) FREE and may be booked by telephone – 0845 450
6425. On-the-gate-admission for adult tickets is £7.50. Gates open from
9am – 5pm and car parking is FREE, with a network of level tarmac roads for
ease of access for the disabled. Only dogs entered in the Show will be
allowed on site.
