Chatsworth Country Fair
Dates: Friday 4, Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2015
My family and I decided to attend the Country Fair on the Sunday which meant we were able to meet John Torode, the celebrity chef demonstrating in the Aga Rangemaster Cookery Theatre that day. As many of my readers know, I am a huge foodie, so given the opportunity to meet John and sample the delights Derbyshire had to offer pleased me immensely!
We were also very excited about the other advertised events that day, including the daredevil stunts, spectacular displays of agility and legendary horse-riding skills of the impressive Ukrainian Cossack Stunt Team, one of three brand new acts making their debut at Chatsworth Country Fair this year.
We arrived just before the gates opened around 8.45am and to my son’s delight, we were able to see the hot air balloons that had taken off that morning. It was a cold, crisp morning so we all wrapped up, ready to explore…..
We started the day with an ice-cream, of course. And yes, it was probably around 09.00am but hey, as an owner of a toddler, we all know 09.00am is a perfectly legitimate lunchtime!
We had a lovely walk around the fairground whilst it was still quiet – the old fashioned helter skelter was amazing and my son loved it – although not enough to brave a slide down. We purchased a program on site to ensure we knew what time the shows and demonstrations were on, and also to scope where we could escape for a cheeky glass of bubbly and a spot of lunch. We definitely needed the program as the site was huge. I never knew the grounds were that vast.
There were over 200 trade stands to peruse. The food village (my favourite area) was packed with delicious locally sourced produce, lots of yummy samples to try and a tipple or two of your favourite drinks; such as speciality ciders, slow gin, wines and champagnes. I was in heaven!
The Chef demonstrations were scheduled at set times throughout the day and the tent was very busy, with fans of John Torode waiting to get some expert tips. You were then able to meet John at his book signing, in a small queue just a short walk away from the tent.
The whole day was packed with everything for the whole family. Whether you’re a bike or car fanatic, a keen gardener or an art collector, the whole site had everything for you to admire (and indeed purchase) should you wish.
There were lots of activities for all ages such as, archery, zorbing and crafting. I had to practically drag my son off the bouncy castle and the little car rides available around the site. The weather improved dramatically and was a glorious sunny day, so more ice-cream and ice lollies were required, obviously!
There was even chance to rest our legs and eat a bit of lunch on the grounds. Even though the site was extremely busy around the trade stalls and main events stage, you could still find areas in which to relax and take in the beautiful scenery that surrounds Chatsworth. 
The sun was beginning to set so we had a little walk to find somewhere to take in the view and await the Red Arrows. Chatsworth is even more beautiful in this light. I can’t tell you how much I have fallen in love with this place.
What can I say??! The Red Arrows were unbelievable. Just look at these stunning pictures below. They were taken on my iPhone, so not the best quality, but I hope you can imagine what it was actually like looking at these displays as they sore through the sky above our heads. I was in awe of them. My son was also over the moon to see them and for the duration of the journey home continued to make aeroplane noises, telling me, ‘” I am a Red Arrow!”
I have to admit, I didn’t really know what to expect with the Red Arrows, and if I’m honest, I didn’t really have any expectation or any particular interest in seeing some planes flying around – but boy was I wrong! The display absolutely blew me away. I would have been more than happy to pay the asking price ten times over, if only to see the Red Arrows.
If given the chance, I would have attended the whole weekend, as CBeebies’ Katy Ashworth was there on the Friday (my son is a huge fan), and Mary Berry whom I love, was there on the Saturday. There was so much to do as family, and even though we were there from 9am – 7pm we still felt as though we hadn’t seen everything. We wanted to try zorbing, archery and witness a few of the main stage events, but some of this proved difficult when we had a tired toddler in tow.
Should you wish to attend the show next year (I most definitely will) then the dates have already been announced for:
September 2nd – September 4th 2016
… so go ahead and mark it down in your diary!
Because my family and I had such an amazing time at the Chatsworth Country Fair, we thought we’d check out what’s happening at the house over the coming months. Here’s my pick of the best events that I will most definitely be attending.
Beyond Limits – Sotherby’s Exhibition at Chatsworth House – September/October 2015
Chatsworth House – Fire and Fireworks – October/November 2015
Christmas at Chatsworth – November/December/January 2015
*Please note my family and I were sent tickets for the fair for the purpose of this review, but all views are my own*
NorthernNewMum 
Chatsworth Country Fair not only looks but sounds amazing! Your pictures are stunning.xx
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Thank you, it was an amazing day. xx
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