Want to learn more about the skills and stories behind guns? Then the Gunmakers’ Theatre should be one of your destinations.

It’s run by the Gun Trade Association.

From vintage guns and maintenance to gun security, auction advice, cannons and even careers in the gun trade, there’s sure to be something to interest any keen shot.

Simon West, Executive Director of The Gun Trade Association, says: “Over recent years the Gunmakers’ Theatre has provided a fantastic venue for visitors to engage with some of the great names of the shooting industry – craftsmen, instructors, technical experts, employers and those ‘in the know’ about every type of shooting subject. With another packed programme, it is the place to come and learn and engage – and even talk about starting a career in the great British Gun Trade.”

See the timetable below.

Gunmakers’ Theatre – Game Fair 2024
Friday Saturday Sunday
10.00 Guns and Ammo. Simon West, Director of the Gun Trade Association answers your questions on guns, ammunition, proof, the law and licensing. Digital access to shooting – MyShoots. Georgina Bowman presents MyShoots – the App that delivers shooting opportunites to all. Guns and Ammo. Simon West, Director of the Gun Trade Association answers your questions on guns, ammunition, proof, the law and licensing.
10.45 Meet the Masters – Gunmakers at Work. Gunmakers at Work. Master craftsmen and their apprentices demonstrate and reveal the secrets of the Gunmaking Trade. Meet the Masters. Gunmakers at Work. Master craftsmen and their apprentices demonstrate and reveal the secrets of the Gunmaking Trade. Meet the Masters – Gunmakers at Work. Gunmakers at Work. Master craftsmen and their apprentices demonstrate and reveal the secrets of the Gunmaking Trade.
11.15 Buying Guns at Auction. Gavin Gardner, a specialist gun auctioneer gives advice – what to look for and how to lay your hands on a bargain Careers in the Gun Trade. The Gun Trade Association talk to young and old about opportunities for apprenticeships and jobs in the Trade Careers in the Gun Trade. The Gun Trade Association talk to young and old about opportunities for apprenticeships and jobs in the Trade
12.00 Careers in the Gun Trade. The Gun Trade Association talk to young and old about opportunities for apprenticeships and jobs in the Trade Gunmakers’ Company Charitable Trust Reception The Value of Shooting. A celebration of what shooting brings to the nation – the facts and figures
13.00 Digital access to shooting – MyShoots. Georgina Bowman presents MyShoots – the App that delivers shooting opportunites to all. Vintage Guns and Shooting Today. World famous vintage gun specialist Diggory Hadoke talks about the enduring appeal of old guns – even in a lead free future Digital access to shooting – MyShoots. Georgina Bowman presents MyShoots – the App that delivers shooting opportunites to all.
13.45 Medical Reports and Licensing. Daryl Hufton Rees, the expert on medical issues around licensing brings police licensing managers to talk about medical proformas and how to deal with the challenges Medical Reports and Licensing. Daryl Hufton Rees, the expert on medical issues around licensing brings police licensing managers to talk about medical proformas and how to deal with the challenges Medical Reports and Licensing. Daryl Hufton Rees, the expert on medical issues around licensing brings police licensing managers to talk about medical proformas and how to deal with the challenges
14.30 Meet the Masters – Gunmakers at Work. Master craftsmen and their apprentices demonstrate and reveal the secrets of the Gunmaking Trade. Meet the Masters – Gunmakers at Work. Master craftsmen and their apprentices demonstrate and reveal the secrets of the Gunmaking Trade. Meet the Masters – Gunmakers at Work. Master craftsmen and their apprentices demonstrate and reveal the secrets of the Gunmaking Trade.
15.15 Vintage Guns and Shooting Today. World famous vintage gun specialist Diggory Hadoke talks about the enduring appeal of old guns – even in a lead free future The Value of Shooting. A celebration of what shooting brings to the nation – the facts and figures Are you ready to go lead-free? With a potential ban on lead rifle ammunition ahead, experts from the trade talks about ammunition solutions and answer your questions

Meet the Masters

  • Bill Blacker, renowned barrel maker and chairman of the Gunmakers’ Company certification panel, demonstrates gunmaking techniques and talks about looking after your barrels
  • Allan Portsmouth, master engraver shows his skills in the fine embelishments of best guns
  • Richard Barnes, well known master actioner and gun designer – talks about the style and hidden mechanisms of the finest guns
  • Jim Blacker – craftsman and owner of George Daw Guns – reveals the story of great gunmakers

Speakers

  • Diggory Hadoke. Specialist in Vintage Sporting Guns. Media advocate for hunting, shooting sports and legal gun ownership. Author, broadcaster and journalist specialising in African dangerous game hunting, firearms history, shooting, conservation and ethical issues.
  • Gavin Gardiner. With over twenty years experience with Sotheby’s and his own company, Gavin Gardiner is an expert in the worldwide market for fine Sporting Guns and Rifles. Guns from the famous London makers including James Purdey & Sons, Holland and Holland, Boss & Co. as well as the best of the provincial makers have passed through his hands and make him one of the worl’s great experts.
  • Simon West OBE. Executive Director of the Gun Trade Assocation, Master of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers and a Registered Firearms Dealer for 25 years. After a career in the Army, specilaising in guns and ammunition, he provides technical and political advice to the Trade.
  • Daryl Hufton-Rees PhD. Shooting man and advocate for efficient licensing, Daryl runs MedCert, the company providing support to certificate holders with their medical proformas.
  • Georgina Bowman. Founder and CEO of MyShoots. Winner of Government innovation and NatWest business awards, Georgina connects suppliers and customers to deliver easy access to shooting and shooting products.

Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors

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