The timetable for the Chatsworth Country Fair Grand Ring entertainment has now been released with an action-packed line up of horses, dogs, motorbikes, Spitfire planes, marching bands and much more from 10.45am each day. The gates open at 9am with plenty for early birds to enjoy, including the sight of majestic hot air balloons gliding in the skies above the river Derwent.
Making their debut in the main ring are the Atkinson Action Horses; a highly trained team of stunt horses and daredevil riders presenting a breath-taking display of high-energy tricks and thrills set to music.
Led by Ben Atkinson, the horses and combat actors are trained on a family farm in Yorkshire and are responsible for many of the nail biting action scenes in blockbuster films and TV shows, such as Peaky Blinders, The Midwich Cuckoos and Netflix’s ‘The Witcher’.
Ben - who has amassed a legion of loyal followers - said: “We created the show from the things that inspire us most about horses around the world. Highlights include Hungarian riding where I stand with nine horses moving beneath me and Spanish horses where we celebrate classical dressage and the ‘airs above the ground’ of their great leaps and kicks. The Cossack riding is the fastest paced part of the show, and we pair it with high tempo dance tracks.
“My passion is the art of Liberty, seeing what can be achieved in both spectacle and beauty when horses are completely free. This part of the show sees the horses move in formation, and even laying down together, with no rein or lead in sight.”
The Atkinson Action Horses will star in the Grand Ring on Friday 12.40pm and 5.25pm; Saturday 12.40pm and 5.55pm and Sunday 12.35pm and 5.55pm, and are a must-see attraction.
The huge task of translating Chatsworth’s hopes and dreams for the fair into reality falls to organiser Sarah Green with Tim Acheson taking on the build. Thankfully, Tim has show-building in his blood as he’s the nephew of Andrew Cuthbert who founded Chatsworth Country Fair more than 40 years ago. In just two weeks, Tim will orchestrate the installation of over 300 trade stands, 40 caterers, 35 different showground events, multiple marquees and thousands of fence posts and straw bales with almost military precision, taking into consideration Chatsworth’s ‘leave no trace’ philosophy.
At the heart of the showground is the Grand Ring which includes a dedicated Members’ area with ringside seating and tiered spectator seating. Visitors can also enjoy the shopping village and the popular Fine Food Village which includes the Stoves Cookery Theatre.
This year has three of the fair’s most popular chefs returning to take to the cookery theatre stage - James Martin on Friday, Mary Berry on Saturday and John Torode on Sunday – appearing alongside recognised and emerging culinary talent from across the Derbyshire region.
The fair offers a wealth of family-friendly entertainment, from zorbing, a climbing wall, bungee trampolines and a vintage fairground, to close encounters with exotic animals. For those who like to get stuck in, there’s the chance to test targeting skills with clay pigeon shooting and archery or brush up on fly fishing technique. Even four-legged family members can take part in the action with races and competitions to suit every dog and owner and the chance to compete to win a prize in the popular Family Dog Show.
Ticket are priced at £30 for a one day adult ticket (£28.50 online) or you can purchase two day tickets at £45.50 and three day tickets at £68 with promokortingen coupon (online only). Under 15s get in for free and do not need a ticket. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
Please note that tickets on the gate can only be purchased with cards, however cash will be accepted inside the event
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.chatsworth.org/countryfair
