WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2024
What's on
Dunster Country Fair prides itself on appealing to everyone and being a fun-filled family day out. The children can find plenty of things to keep them entertained.
There is entertainment in the main ring all day plus Ferret Racing, Hound Shows to Craft exhibits. Falconry events, Punch and Judy Show and much, much more!
Main Ring
The Main Ring is the focal point at the Dunster Country Fair. Many visitors enjoy sitting on the grass slopes overlooking the ring, and enjoying views over the Fair with the majestic Dunster Castle in the background.
2023 Main Ring Attractions include:
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Jez Avery Stunt Show
Shetland Pony Grand National
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Hawkeye Falconry
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Vintage Tractors
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Handy Hunter Competitions
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Pony Club Games
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Plus Other Equestrian Events
Perpetual Vintage Tractor Trophy
In memory of Jeremy Onions
(1950 - 2021)
"Jeremy, or Jerry as known, was raised as a child at Wootton Knowle Farm, Wootton Courtenay, having moved there with his family in the late 1950’s. He grew up on the farm loving country life, he was a country man. Later in life he became interested in Vintage Tractors. Jeremy bought three Tractors; T20, Super Dexta and Fordson Major to restore, so he could take to local shows and tractor rallies. He always enjoyed Dunster Country Fair, it was a great day out for him and his tractors.
The Perpetual Vintage Tractor Trophy is in memory of Jerry, and I hope to carry on his love of Vintage Tractors in his memory, his daughter, Sarah Hosken"
Village Green
The Village Green is where you will find local craft demonstrations, rural skill presentations and of course, the Ferret Racing! Ron Kings Hot Six Band will perform throughout the day, near the public bar and luncheon marquee. There is also a selection of catering outlets around the Village Green.
Country Crafts and demonstrations including:
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Thatching demonstration by West Country Thatchers
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Allerford Forge (West Country Blacksmiths)
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Wool Spinning demonstration by Handmade Exmoor (Annabelle Gregory)
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Mr Martin Symes - Wheelwright
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Pole-lathe, Woodturning Demonstration
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Exmouth miniature railway
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Paul Truck - Basket Weaving
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A. Huxley - Sticks
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And more….
Entertainment and displays from:
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Terry Moles Racing Ferrets
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Mr Punch (Punch and Judy)
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Ron Kings Hot Six
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Funfair
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The Exmouth Miniature Railway
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Face painting
There will also be activities taking place, come and try archery on the hill!
Hound Show
The Dunster Country Fair Hound Show gives Hunts the opportunity to compete against each other in the ring and show off their hounds to the general public. The Hound Show starts at 9:30 am when Staghounds, Foxhounds, Harriers, Beagles and Minkhounds will be showing in their respective rings. Around 30 Hunts compete in the morning, culminating in the Supreme Championship held between 1 pm and 2 pm.
These packs of hounds have been carefully bred over hundreds of years to hunt their specific quarry, whether it was Fox, Deer, Hare or Mink. Their breeding can be traced through the hunt record books back over generations.
Staghounds
There are only three packs of Staghounds in the country all based here in the South West which are responsible for managing the Red Deer herds. It is the presence of these hunts which has ensured the survival of the only significant and truly wild Red Deer herds left in England. The old English thoroughbred Staghound is now extinct so the Staghound hunts use hounds of Foxhound blood. The modern day Staghound tends to be a large strong hound built for stamina.
Foxhounds
Foxhound packs are the most common hunts in this country and they help to keep the Foxes at acceptable levels for the farmers by culling foxes using exemptions in the Hunting Act. Some hunts also undertake trail hunting. The Foxhound is another large hound built for speed and stamina.
Harriers
The West Country Harrier is as its name implies mainly confined to the South West of England. It is taller, heavier and often a lighter colour than the studbook Harrier. It is smaller and lighter in weight than the Foxhound with a finer build. Originally they were bred to hunt Hares but most packs changed over to hunt foxes as well or exclusively within the last eighty years prior to the hunting ban. The Harrier packs now also use exemptions under the hunting act or trail hunt. Due to their smaller size, agility and speed compared to the Foxhound they are particularly good at hunting in thick cover and over the difficult terrain found here in the south west.
Beagles
The Beagle is the smallest hound on show. They stand between 14 and 16 inches. They were originally bred to hunt hares. Since the hunting ban most packs now hunt rabbits (which are exempt) or trail hunt. Hunt Staff and followers are on foot. Beagles are very enthusiastic and active hounds.
Minkhounds or Otterhounds
The Minkhounds or Otterhounds, hunted mink up until the Hunting Act became law. Otter hunting stopped voluntarily many years ago when there fall in otter numbers due to loss of habitat and water pollution. Mink were introduced into this country when they were released from Mink farms by animal rights extremists. They are a vicious predator often devastating local populations of native species such as the Water Vole and ground nesting Birds. The Minkhounds hunted on foot along the river banks during the summer months and helped to keep the Mink population in check. Since the ban they now hunt either Rats or Rabbits (both are exempt).The Minkhound is a friendly, tough, sturdy hound with a thick coat and is a good swimmer. It is ideally suited to hunting in difficult conditions.
Equestrian
There are equestrian activities and competitions through the day, including:
Pony Club Mounted Games
Mounted Games is a team sport, four or five riders and ponies per team take part in a series of exciting and exhilarating races that involve a mix of turns, handovers, vaulting and galloping against other teams.
Skills required include accuracy, agility, concentration, speed, hand to eye coordination, team work and sportsmanship, plus it's lots of fun to watch and there are some imaginative games!
Further details: 01984 640253
Exmoor Pony Show
The Exmoor Pony Society holds a wide range of pony classes at the Dunster Country Fair ranging from Stallion or Gelding 4 years & over, working hunter pony, owner/breeders pair, junior ridden and much more.
The Exmoor Pony is the oldest of our purebred native breeds, having populated the moorland of Somerset and North Devon since before man.
Download the Exmoor Pony Show (2024) Schedule and Entry Form
South West Group Shetland Pony Show
We are delighted to welcome back the South West Shetland Pony Group Show.
Click here for: 2024 South West Shetland Pony Group Show Schedule
Fell Pony Show
We are delighted to welcome back the South West Group Fell Pony Society Show.
Click here for:
FELL PONY SHOW SCHEDULE AND ENTRY FORM 2024
Canine
The Wessex K9 Dancers Display Team members are based all across the West Country from Gloucestershire to Devon. They meet regularly near Burnham on Sea and near Cullumpton to practice doggy-dancing. Two team members are finalists this year at Crufts Freestyle Heelwork to Music competition. They also compete regularly in Heelwork to Music, Rally and Obedience. There's a mixture of breeds in the team and they all love to dance! First and foremost of course they are all much loved pets. We look forward to meeting the Wessex K9 Dancers Display Team at this year's Dunster Country Fair!
Dunster Country Fair Dog Shows
Dunster Country Fair boasts a wide range of canine events for both the avid competitor and for children and the whole family to enjoy, including Minehead and District Canine Society Show, Fun Dog Show and Dog Agility!
Fun Dog Show
PRIZES KINDLY DONATED BY
WILLITON PET & EQUINE
Starts 2pm
Entry: £2 in the ring
Rosettes to 6th place
Class 1 Puppy 6 - 12 months
Class 2 Best Condition
Class 3 Best Rescued Dog or Bitch
Class 4 Terrier Type
Class 5 Veteran over 7 yrs
Class 6 Hairy Dog/Bitch
Class 7 Smooth Dog/Bitch
Class 8 Child Handler
Class 9 Waggiest Tail
Class 10 Best Trick
Best in Show - winners from 1 - 10
Dog Agility
Gundog Scurry
A scurry is a retrieve by a dog, any breed will do, of a ‘dummy’ or tennis ball thrown at a distance from the dog and owner/handler. The handler sends the dog out to retrieve the dummy and bring it back against the clock.
We are intending to set up three different types of scurries.
- One requires the dog to jump over a ‘ladder’ of straw bales to retrieve the dummy from the far end.
- Two will be a straight line long distance retrieve over grass.
- Three will be to retrieve two dummies ‘hidden’ behind brash.
Dog handlers will demonstrate the scurries to bystanders and then offer those with dogs to have a go!
If there are enough people interested, we will set up a competition with prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd fastest in each of the scurries, with dogs split into two groups: Spaniels and Retrievers/any other breed (AOB).
The completions will be sponsored by Skinner’s Working Dog Food and Sporting Saint, the dog trading equipment suppliers.