SKATEBOARDERS towed by horses and a new World of Dogs Arena are set to appear at the 18th annual Thame Country Fair.

On Easter Sunday and Monday the traditional fair in Kingsey Road, Thame, will draw visitors from across Oxfordshire with stalls featuring crafts, sport, food and a range of family activities.

Traditionally crowds of more than 18,000 have flocked to the fair to see daredevil bike stunts, falconry, ferret racing and hare chasing.

But this year, show organisers said the event will debut a new World of Dogs Arena, where people bring along their dogs to enter them in terrier racing, displays of various breeds, lurcher racing, and beauty contests.

The arena will also feature a new fun dog show where prizes in categories such as “waggiest tail” are up for grabs. Owners can also enter their dogs in the Multi Scurry Challenge competition qualifier, with the finals to be held in September at Sandringham.

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Organisers added that this year will continue, for the second year running, to feature skateboarders being towed by horses in the Andy Singelton Arena at the UK horse-boarding championship.

It is expected than more than 20 teams will compete during the event, aiming to clock the fastest time to do a lap around the large arena.

Professional falconer David Hughes, owner of Halkwalk falconry in Oxfordshire, will be performing a full-flying demonstration at the show for the first time.

The dad-of-two said visitors to the fair can expect to see birds of prey including a peregrine falcon and a kestrel falcon.

The 50-year-old said: “I am going to be doing a full demonstration and I will be flying birds of prey.

“This is my fourth year at the show but this is my first year doing a full show, whereas in previous years I was helping out.

“I enjoy the buzz of the show and flying the birds because it is a joyous occasion with people just enjoying a great day out.

“I am very excited about it but I am going to be a little nervous because I’ll be hoping the birds are going to behave.”

For more information see the Thame section of livingheritagecountryshows.com