Northern Exposure

On May 7th and 8th of next year, The Northern Shooting Show will burst into life, providing a refreshing alternative to the existing corporate-style shooting shows and game fairs.

Held at the Yorkshire Event Centre, a beautiful site near Harrogate, the venue offers easy access from the A1, M1/M62 crossroads, hence why it’s coined as ‘Gateway to the North’, the new show will have the feel of an intimate gathering of like-minded individuals; no matter what their core interests, visitors will feel like they are popping by for a chat with those who share their passions.

The price of admission is deliberately being kept to an affordable level: £9 adult ‘early bird’ ticket with priority car parking right by a main entrance or £12 on the day – leaving visitors with more of their hard-earned cash to spend on guns and shooting equipment!

Even though the venue has a huge potential capacity, the feel will be of inter-linking ‘villages’, as opposed to a teaming metropolis, where companies of a similar ethos can be seen together in one area. The Northern Shooting Show hopes to cater for the long-term shooter, as well as those just embarking on a lifelong passion for all things that go bang and land a projectile on target. From youngsters trying out airgun shooting for the first time on the ‘have a go’ ranges, to the seasoned ‘Shot’ who’s spent a lifetime looking skywards for a grouse, pigeon or pheasant to come with range.

The cost of hiring a stand is being kept comparatively low to encourage more companies (both large and small) to attend. The ‘one-man-band’ just starting out in business will not feel out of place, even though they will be rubbing shoulders with the more established players in the industry. The show is the perfect place for new businesses to showcase what they do and to test the water with new products and services; these fledgling companies are obviously vital to the continuation of the sport.

Purpose-built halls will house a large part of the show but outdoor areas are also being used. Visitors can check out what’s new in firearms, shotguns, air rifles, airsoft and accessories and try their hand on some of the ‘have a go ranges’.

Retailers are vital to any successful show, so those who’ve signed up for the event will have show-only deals and promotions, so that visitors can bag a bargain or two.

The Airgun Training and Education Organisation (ATEO) carry out work all over the country, promoting the safe and responsible use of airguns. They will be running a ‘have a go’ range where newcomers to the sport can try out numerous types of modern air rifles and pistols in a safe, controlled environment, under expert supervision.

Eley Hawke ltd will be sponsoring the clay line and BASC and CPSA will be on-hand to offer instruction and advice along with 40 bird sporting competitions with big prizes!

Double Deuce will have their mobile .22 rimfire range at the show, where people can try their hand at shooting a selection of modern semi-autos based on military style rifles.

A shotgun simulator will also be on-site, which is perfect for introducing new shooters to the intricacies of the sport without the bang and recoil!

Finally, many of the UK’s shooting associations will be in attendance at the show, such as official Show supporters BASC, NRA, NSRA, CPSA, NGO, Deer Society, NOBS, HBSA, UKPSA, .50 cal club and The Sportsman’s Association, to name but a few. These organisations have a wealth of knowledge, built-up over many decades, so people can ask questions and be sure of expert, impartial advice. Members of these organisations will therefore be able to seek guidance from experts in their field, such as firearms law, problems with rearing pheasants and difficulties gaining an extra variation from the local police.

So, all in all, a show not to miss!

www.northernshootingshow.co.uk