Ten things you might not know about the Holkham Country Fair - including what’s in store this weekend
Cossack warriors Dzhigitovka will wow the crowds this year. Picture: Dzhigitovka - Credit: Archant
1) The Holkham Country Fair was established by the 7th Earl of Leicester, Edward Coke, in 1977 to teach children about the countryside.
The Red Arrows are due perform this year, if weather conditions are suitable. Picture: RAF - Credit: Archant
2) Sticking to that original ethos, under 14s are given free entry to the fair.
3) The event is now regarded as one of the biggest celebrations of rural life in East Anglia, with between 30,000 and 40,000 people expected to attend.
Scenes from the last Holkham Country Fair, in 2015. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Ian Burt
4) The fair is to be opened on both days with a parachute display by the Royal British Legion's Jump4Heroes team.
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5) The Red Arrows are due to be one of the highlights this year. They will wow the crowds on Sunday, weather permitting.
Scenes from the last Holkham Country Fair, in 2015. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Ian Burt
6) People can stay overnight in the beautiful grounds of the Holkham Estate with camping and caravanning pitches available.
7) In the skies above the fair, Second World War aircraft, including a Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota, will take part in a Battle of Britain memorial fly-by.
A scene from the last Holkham Country Fair, in 2015. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Ian Burt
8) A new spectacle this year will come from Dzhigitovka, a group of Cossack warriors who will be displaying skills with swords, knives and pistols while riding on horses.
9) Another new feature, expected to get plenty of attention, is a 60-metre long zipwire, suitable for children of all ages.
A scene from the last Holkham Country Fair, in 2015. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Ian Burt
10) There will be plenty of creatures from the animal kingdom to meet, including birds of prey, snakes, meerkats, skunks and ferrets.
A scene from the last Holkham Country Fair, in 2015. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Ian Burt
