Over £24,000 raised at The Game Fair 2026 to secure new gun making apprenticeships
The Game Fair which hosted more than 125,000 visitors on the last weekend of July at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire supported The Gunmakers Trust as it’s official charity of for the second year running in 2026. Today The Game Fair is extremely proud to announce that £17,379.50 was raised directly through the events box office, over £7,000 generated through a silent auction in partnership with Superstars in the JM Finn sponsored, VIP Enclosure, plus an additional contribution from the English Disabled Fly Fishers, giving a total of more than £24,000.
This significant sum will help fund up to five new apprentices in the traditional gun making trade.
Robin Curtis, Chairman of Trustees for the charity, expressed his gratitude for the support: “This will be transformational for the Gunmakers Trust and will almost certainly enable us to extend our Bursary funding beyond the apprentices that we currently support. I can’t wait to share this news with the Board of Trustees.
“We were also delighted to return to The Game Fair on Gunmakers’ Row. The event provided a vital platform to showcase the remarkable craftsmanship of British gunmakers and highlight the Trust’s work to a wide audience. The funds raised will directly support our apprentice bursary scheme, which is crucial to nurturing the next generation of skilled artisans. I would like to extend my personal and heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed.”
Managing Director of The Game Fair, James Gower, commented: “We were delighted to welcome The Gunmakers Trust back as our Official Charity Partner for The Game Fair 2026. The enthusiasm shown by our visitors, exhibitors and supporters was amazing. The astounding amount raised through ticket donations and fundraising across the event reflects our community’s deep commitment to preserving British gun making skills. Knowing these funds will help support even more new apprentices makes this year’s partnership especially meaningful.”
The Game Fair, Britain’s largest and most prestigious celebration of the countryside, will return to for its 69th anniversary at the grounds of Blenheim Palace from Friday 23 July to Sunday 25 July 2027. Be the first to get tickets by subscribing to The Game Fair.
