Crowds flock to Chatsworth Country Fair - one of England's most spectacular annual outdoor shows

Visitors turned out for the first day of entertainment at Chatsworth Country Fair.

The event takes place until Sunday, September 6, with a packed programme of entertainment, celebrating food, farming and everything the countryside has to offer.

Across the weekend, visitors can enjoy arena displays, cookery demonstrations, local food and drink, shopping and country pursuits.

This year’s Country Fair President is broadcaster, television presenter and outdoor and gardening enthusiast Angellica Bell. As honorary host of the event, Angellica officially opened the fair and will judge a number of competitions across the weekend.

The Grand Ring will showcase a host of crowd-pleasing entertainment over the weekend including Atkinson Action Horses, JC Balls Digger Display, birds of prey, dog agility, military bands and parachute displays by the Royal British Legion Display Team. Subject to weather conditions, hot air balloons will take to the skies across the estate.

Food lovers can enjoy cookery demonstrations from James Martin, Nisha Katona and Vito Coppola, who will be joined by chefs from Derbyshire and the Peak District celebrating seasonal ingredients and regional produce. The Fine Food Village will also offer the chance to sample and buy food and drink from local producers.

Highlights for families include the vintage funfair, pony rides, bungee trampolines, a climbing wall, low ropes, bumper cars and a bouncy castle, alongside opportunities to try fly fishing, archery and clay shooting under expert guidance.

Traditional countryside skills will be showcased across the showground, with demonstrations including farriery, dry stone walling and stick making, alongside gundog working team tests, sheepdog trials and other rural displays. Visiting dogs can take part in agility displays, races and other activities.

Angellica Bell said: “I'm absolutely thrilled to have been chosen as President of this year's Country Fair at Chatsworth. It's such a brilliant event in a beautiful location, which my family also has a connection to, and brings together so many things I love – great food, the outdoors and celebrating the people and traditions that make the countryside so special.”

Sarah Green, Event Organiser, added: “The Country Fair continues to be one of the highlights of the year at Chatsworth, bringing together food, farming, shopping and entertainment over three days.

“From the Grand Ring and Fine Food Village to traditional countryside demonstrations and family activities, there's something for all ages to enjoy.”

Derbyshire Times photographer Brian Eyre captured the event.

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