Chiddingstone Castle in Kent will be holding their popular annual Country Fair on Sunday 11 September between 11am and 5pm.

The fair, which is set in the idyllic rural setting of Chiddingstone Castle and its attractive grounds and lake, will celebrate the traditions of our countryside and the country sports associated with it.

A packed programme of exciting and interesting activities and displays will take place throughout the day including a new giant dance event where everyone can have fun learning the dance routines of Ceilidh dancing (pronounced kay-lee).  Ceilidh dancing is popular at Scottish weddings and has some similarity to American Square Dancing with a caller shouting out the steps!

Also see favourites from previous years including a display from the horses and hounds of the local Old Surrey Burstow & West Kent Hunt; a display of exquisite side-saddle riding; working dogs; detector dogs and not forgetting the fun Exemption Dog Show which is open to all!

Try your hand at Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting in the area beside the Castle’s Victorian Orangery (additional charge).  Stroke the gorgeous miniature Shetland ponies, have a go at fishing on the Castle’s lake and watch a local farrier demonstrating a range of traditional skills, including shoeing Oscar the Cob at 2pm.

Tractors, both old and new, will be on display and the ever popular terrier racing will also be returning – so please bring along your terriers!!

The beer tent will be selling Larkin’s Ale, brewed in Chiddingstone, and refreshments can be purchased from a number of stalls selling home-produced food.

A variety of interesting stalls around the grounds will include displays such as the Edenbridge Astrological Society – look through their telescopes and see what you can see in daylight!  There’ll be displays of bee keeping and birds of prey too.

There will also be some fantastic shopping in the marquee and on the South Lawn with stalls selling local art, produce, antiques, vintage ware and pet products.

After a full day’s entertainment everyone will be invited to enter the hugely entertaining family giant wool sack race – a seasonal favourite!

There will be a charge on the gates of £5 for adults and £1 for children aged between 5 and 13 (under 5’s free).  The Castle will be offering reduced price admission throughout the day for visitors to enter the Castle itself to admire the fascinating collections of Japanese, Ancient Egyptian, Buddhist, Stuart and Egyptian artefacts acquired by the late antiquarian, Denys Eyre Bower.

For more information on the Country Fair please visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk or call 01892 870347.

Chiddingstone Castle, Hill Hoath Road, Chiddingstone, Kent, TN8 7AD