A SLIGHT TWEAKING BUT IT'S ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR BIRDFAIR IN SUMMER THIS YEAR

 

Logo of the event - the shoveler is Tim Appleton's favourite bird

CALLING all birders! Birdfair is to go ahead later this year - but under a different name and at a different location.

It was feared the long-running event was doomed when, late last year, its traditional hosts, the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, pulled the rug.

But co-founder Tim Appleton MBE refused to be beaten.

Just before 9am this morning, he revealed that it would be relaunched under a new name - Global Birdfair - at Rutland Showground in Oakham, close to its previous home at Rutland Water.

"I am delighted to make this announcement,"he enthused. "Birders and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world will have the opportunity to gather to make a difference to conserving Nature worldwide." 

Within four hours of the announcement, more than 100 potential exhibitors had submitted inquiries about stand space 

Historically, the event has been held in August, but this year the birdfair will be held over the three days Friday July 15 to Sunday July17 (9am to 5.30pm - last admission 4pm).

Another change is that Global Birdfair will be working closely with a carbon offsetting organisation to make proceedings "as carbon neutral as possible" - quite a challenge given that most exhibitors and visitors will be arriving by car.

The showground, which is owned by the Rutland Agricultural Society, comprises 150 acres (over 13 fields), an expansive car park, 39 showers and 35 WCs, plus a licensed bar.

Advance ticket purchases will be available online from February 14, and there will be cashless payment systems for ticket sales on the gate .

News of Global Birdfair will have delighted Oakham traders because, historically, the even has generated some £1.2-million annually to the local economy. 

Those wishing to stay can book with the usual accommodation providers, and it is thought two local public schools - Oakham School and Uppingham School - will offer bedrooms. Some camping space will also be available at the showround

Tim Appleton hopes to announce a charity conservation project soon.

Plenty of space - Rutland Showground is just outside Oakham