Long-running country fair returns to celebrate 20 years of rural entertainment

A country show which blends rural traditions with fast-paced family fun will celebrate its 20th anniversary when it returns later this month.

The East Anglian Game and Country Fair will bring thousands of visitors to the Euston Estate, on the Norfolk/Suffolk border near Thetford, on April 27 and 28.

Main arena displays include The Squibb Freestyle Motocross Show and the crowd-pleasing Horseboarding UK Championships, an exhilarating equine sport which will be filmed and broadcast live from the arena.

The East Anglian Game and Country Fair returns to Euston Estate near Thetford on April 27-28, 2024 (Image: Steve Adams)

New attractions include the Waveney and Norfolk Harriers “White Woofers” hound parade, but the show also features familiar favourites including the British Scurry and Trials Driving Championships, dog agility and gun dog displays, the Sheep Show and fishing demonstrations with world champion fly-caster Hywel Morgan.

Visitors are invited to “have a go” at country sports ranging from clay shooting to archery and axe-throwing, while dogs can enter the pet dog show or jump in the K9 Aqua Sports pool.

There are also more than 350 shopping stands, pony rides, a traditional fun fair, and a food and drink hall, with talented chefs showcasing their culinary skills in the Game Fair Country Kitchen.

The East Anglian Game and Country Fair returns to Euston Estate near Thetford on April 27-28, 2024 (Image: Steve Adams)

Show director Tracey Grand said the show’s enduring success was down to the “passion, creativity and determination” of the team which runs it.

“We are always striving for new opportunities, always pushing to do more, to bring new people to the event, new attractions, new suppliers,” she said.

“We try to cater for every age, every background, every interest. We try to make sure there is something for everyone.”

The East Anglian Game and Country Fair returns to Euston Estate near Thetford on April 27-28, 2024 (Image: EAGCF)

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Mrs Grand comes from an agricultural family, and previously worked as a psychology lecturer at City College Norwich.

She has been involved with the game and country fair since its launch in 2004, and said the biggest change during that time was the move from its previous home at the Norfolk Showground, where it was held for 13 years until a commercial review prompted a change of venue.

Since 2017, it has taken place in the picturesque country setting of the Duke and Duchess of Grafton’s estate at Euston – which has helped encourage more visitors from Suffolk and London.

​Advance discounted tickets are available to buy online until April 22 at www.ukgamefair.co.uk or by calling 01263 735 828. Entry is free for under-fives, and car parking is free. 

Tracey Grand is the organiser of the East Anglian Game & Country Fair (Image: Tracey Grand)

The East Anglian Game and Country Fair returns to Euston Estate near Thetford on April 27-28, 2024 (Image: EAGCF)