Crowds flock to Sandringham Game and Country Fair

Scurry racing at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Following the huge success of Saturday's events, day two has been met with equally large numbers for the 12th show at Queen's west Norfolk retreat.

The light drizzle of rain over the weekend did not deter families and their furry companions from taking part in the huge array of shows.

Scurry racing at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

In the World of Dogs arena the terrier racing was underway just as the first outbreak of sunshine lightened up the day.

Lorna Sharkey travelled from Stoke Hammond, near Milton Keynes, with her son James, 22, and their terrier Lilli who took part in the racing.

Horse boarders give a demonstration of the new sport at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Before the race, Mr Sharkey said: 'I don't think Lilli will win but I won't tell mum that.

'We came here when I was very little and this is the first time we've been back since.'

Horse boarders give a demonstration of the new sport at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Caroline Pont and Samantha Davis arrived into Sandringham from Lincoln with their puppies Chippy and Otis.

Ms Pont said: 'I haven't been here for years, but we came for our dogs to socialise and to watch the dog events - it's very inviting for dogs.

Horse boarders give a demonstration of the new sport at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

'It is really spaced out and not crammed in, there are lots of nice stalls - I'm going to do some gun dog shopping.'

Tanya Loomes, from Wisbech, is celebrating her 30th birthday at the show with her children Ella Bristow, 5, and Ronan Bristow, 3, who both enjoyed a donkey ride.

Sandringham Game and Country Fair. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Ms Loomes said: 'I came five years ago when I was pregnant with my eldest and I enjoyed it then.'

Today in the Andy Singleton Arena, the largest arena at the fair, visitors were treated with a spectacular show hosted by the Shire Horse Society.

Sandringham Game and Country Fair. Peter Copeman with his steam engine. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

The magnificent animals toured around the arena while organisers gave a commentary on the importance of protecting the dwindling numbers of the breed.

Later in the day, the horseboarding event saw adrenalin-junkies being pulled at speeds of up to 29mph on their boards around a series of obstacles by a galloping horse.

Sandringham Game and Country Fair. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

The chainsaw carvers were busy at work transforming reclaimed timber into stunning sculptures at the designated chainsaw carving area.

A number of their finished work, including unique furniture and animal carvings, were on display and available for purchase.

Sandringham Game and Country Fair. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Hundreds took part in a number of sports on offer, including clayshooting, airguns and archery in the new shooting village, angling, falconry, and lots of dog competitions and training exercises for both the working dog and family friend.

Shop until you drop could be another theme at the show with the multitude of trade stands around the arenas, the craft village and the food show.

Ella and Ronan Bristow enjoying a donkey ride at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

Dotted around the showground were lots of other attractions, children's entertainments and have-a-go workshops, relaxing food courts and real ale bars.

Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017, Lorna Sharkey with Lilli. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

Bedlington Terriers at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

Caroline Pont and Samantha Davis with Chippy and Otis at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

Gabriel and Aidan Commons having fun in the chainsaw carving area at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

Chainsaw carving at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

Chainsaw carving at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

Norfolk Military Vehicle Group display at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

Norfolk Military Vehicle Group display at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

Norfolk Military Vehicle Group display at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

Norfolk Military Vehicle Group display at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

Norfolk Military Vehicle Group display at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

The Shire Horse Society at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

The Shire Horse Society at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)

The Shire Horse Society at the Sandringham Game and Country Fair 2017. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Archant)