We have just survived the potential break-up of our great United Kingdom, a split that would have seen devotees of the deer forest and the salmon river producing their passports at the border, my old university, St Andrews, consigned to a different country and any number of logistical and practical nightmares. Thankfully, the good sense of the Scots prevailed, and we can continue to enjoy the beauties of each other's countries uninhibited by invented differences. Serendipitously, one week from today, on September 27th and 28th at
Fulham Palace, London SW6, there will be a chance to celebrate the greatest thing about our united Great Britain: the countryside.
Who could split these places up? A glen near Loch Carron in the
Scottish highlands (above) and looking towards the Black Mountains
of Wales from Worcestershire, England (below)
The
Country Life Fair, in its mission to 'bring the countryside to town', will gather together some 200 exhibitors from all over the UK - artists and sculptors, foodies, gardeners, sporting agents and outfitters, distilleries and vineyards, charities, clothing designers and jewellers, not to mention purveyors of fine gifts and luxury holidays. Together, they showcase the astonishing range of entrepreneurs and businesses across the country, from the blenders of
Pickering's Gin in Edinburgh to the creators of honey-scented skincare at
Just Bee in Somerset via fishermen at
Chris Ward Custom Rods in East Anglia. Youngsters can make edible windowboxes in the Kids Zone (children under 12 go free when accompanied by an adult, with two child tickets per one adult ticket) and admire displays of ferrets, falconry and
Kennel Club canines in the showring. Experts in cooking and gardening will be on hand to demonstrate their skills and answer questions, with Tom Parker Bowles and Rachel Green leading the way in the Country Kitchen and George Plumptre and Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Cleve West in the Country Gardens area. Dick Strawbridge will talk about his 'Good Life' experiences, James 'the bee whisperer' Hamill will initiate you into the mysteries of honeycomb and you can get clothing inspiration from 'tweed to town' fashion shows. When you're tired and hungry, the
Brown Cow and
Sands End pubs are on hand, plus
Caviar House & Prunier and caterers
Blue Strawberry. Spirits will be revived by Ginkhana gin-tasting and
Mr Fogg's of Mayfair's Country Life cocktail. What a day!
There are three kinds of
tickets available. The Garden ticket (£23 in advance, £27 on the gate) includes entrance to the Fair and Fulham Palace and gardens, and the Boodles Diamond ticket (£35) includes fast-track entry, Champagne or cocktail and a chance to win a
Boodles Diamond. The Palace ticket (£125) includes fast-track entry, the chance to win a Boodles Diamond, a luxury gift bag and entry to the Country Life Fair club, with unlimited Champagne and canapes inside Fulham Palace, entertainment and butler service.
Rus in urbe: London from Greenwich Park.
Come to the Country Life Fair, Fulham, to rejoice in
the spirit of the countryside in town!
All ticket holders have the chance to win incredible
prizes, from shooting lessons at the
West London Shooting School or a bronze wren by
AG Sculptures to a weekend at
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in the New Forest, from
Hunter wellies to dinner at
Boisdale of Belgravia, plus, of course, a subscription to the incomparable
Country Life magazine itself. To enter, simply quote promo code OP14 when you buy your tickets online at
www.countrylifefair.co.uk or by calling 0844 453 9268.
