The Game Fair 2024 is almost upon us! As one of the largest country events of the year, The Game Fair attracts keen fieldsports fans from around the UK and beyond, and with a vast array of premium country clothing stands on display, such as Schoffel, Harkila, Fairfax & Favor, Holland Cooper and Joules, dressing to impress is something on everyone's mind. We’re here to help you get your style just right, ensuring you have a great day whilst fitting in and feeling comfortable.
The Game Fair 2024 runs from 26th-28th July 2024 at Blenheim Palace. For the last few years, the prestigious country event has been held at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire and this year it’s moving East to Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. The location which hosts everything from fashion shows to flower shows, and even plays host to Giffords Circus, is adding The Game Fair to its 2024 attractions. The iconic Blenheim Palace is full of history and esteemed architecture making it the perfect photo opportunity, which many will be taking advantage of! Make the most of the chance to create some great content for your socials by using our handy style guide below.
Casual Countrywear
The Game Fair Blenheim Palace 2024 will feature both hard and soft ground, so it’s best to wear practical clothing. The Game Fair is a 3-day event that’s open every day from 8am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday, and 5pm on Sunday, so whatever you wear, it needs to be comfortable and something you are happy wearing all day! Most attendees will wear casual country clothing with their outfits including jeans or shorts (weather dependent), alongside a shirt, polo top or country jumper.
A key part of any country outfit is, of course, a Schoffel Oakham Gilet for men or a Schoffel Lyndon Gilet for women. As part of the ‘outfit of the countryside’ Schoffel gilets are certain to be spotted in their thousands at The Game Fair. Favoured by countrysports fans and country lovers alike, a Schoffel gilet is as practical as it is stylish. With large pockets to store valuables such as your phone and keys and its ability to keep you warm on a cooler day, whilst acting as a handy, lightweight layer on a warmer day, it’s always a firm favourite.
Dressing Up For The Occassion
Many attendees find the Game Fair an excuse to dress up to the nines, and what a great excuse it is! Men can be seen wearing full shooting tweeds, including breeks and a shooting waistcoat, and some use the opportunity to dress smartly in a classic shirt and suit. The Alan Paine range of shooting tweeds offers a great selection of classic tweeds and countrywear perfect for the occasion.
For women, if the weather is nice, we suggest wearing a long, colourful dress with a pair of heels. The Fairfax & Favor Monaco Wedge is always a popular choice or perhaps make it a bit more country with a pair of Chelsea boots, like the Ariat Wexford Waterproof Boots. If it’s a bit chillier, pop on a jacket, such as a quilted jacket from Holland Cooper or Barbour to complete the stylish look. Hats are a necessity whatever the weather at this outdoor event. Classic fedora hats for women, such as the Schoffel Womens Fedora Hat, set off a tweed outfit perfectly, whilst a traditional tweed flat cap for men, such as the Hoggs of Fife Herringbone Waterproof Tweed Cap, is always a practical yet stylish choice.
All Important Footwear
The Game Fair 2024 is based on some of the 2000 acres of land surrounding Blenheim Palace, so the ground is mostly grass, with some harder walkways fitted between rows of stands. It’s therefore advisable to wear shoes that are comfortable and practical for both hard and soft terrain! For men, a pair of Chelsea boots, deck shoes or walking boots are the go-to choices. Blundstone Chelsea Boots or Chatham Deck Shoes will undoubtedly keep you comfortable all day
For women, a casual pair of deck shoes, loafers, or boots is always a winner! Commonly seen are Fairfax & Favor Regina Boots and Dubarry deck shoes which are as stylish as they are practical!
If The Weather Is Hot
The Game Fair 2024 is being held from 26th - 28th July and at this time of year the UK could well be experiencing hot weather! As The Game Fair is held outdoors, it’s important to stay protected from the heat and the sun as you enjoy the event. We’d highly recommend taking a Tilley hat or a baseball cap, such as the R.M. Williams Steers Head Logo Cap, to keep the sun off your face and, to help keep cool, it’s advisable that you pair your shorts or skirt with a short-sleeved cotton t-shirt or top. The Barbour Mens Sports Polo or Ariat Womens Taryn Polo Shirt are great options and will ensure you look great on the day! Of course, remember your water and suncream too!
If It's Raining
As we know with British weather, there is every chance that it could be raining over The Game Fair weekend! In this instance, wellies will be needed to get you through the soft ground without getting wet and muddy. Stand-out wellies include Le Chameau Vierzonord and Barbour Bede Wellies and there will be a lot of people wearing these in the crowds! A light raincoat would also be a good bet to get you through the day. The Schoffel Mens Cirrus Jacket is lightweight and durable and is sure to keep you dry without you overheating, whilst still ensuring you fit in. A women's alternative is the Musto Marina Rain Jacket, a lightweight waterproof that’s perfect for staying dry and comfortable in summer showers.
When attending The Game Fair, a blend of practicality and style is key. Whether you’re keeping it casual or dressing smartly, plan your Game Fair outfit in advance to make sure you’re comfortable and protected from the elements whatever the forecast! The event, named ‘Glastonbury for the Green-Welly Brigade’ by The Telegraph, is home to over 570 businesses over the 3-day event, of which Philip Morris & Son are one, so, if you find yourself without a key part of your outfit, you can pay us a visit and our friendly staff will help you navigate our vast array of clothing and footwear with many products from Barbour, Musto, Harkila, Hoggs of Fife and many many more!