A Look Back At The Lycetts Festival of Hunting

The countryside community were out in force on Wednesday for Lycetts Festival of Hunting 2018, which this year marked the 130th anniversary of the prestigious Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show. In glorious summer sunshine, crowds in their thousands gathered at the East of England Showground for the most anticipated day of the summer social calendar.
 
East of England Agricultural Society CEO and Secretary of the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show, Jeremy Staples said: “We are immensely proud of how this year’s Lycetts Festival of Hunting went. The showground was alive throughout the day with visitors, hounds and horses alike enjoying the festivities and the outstanding visitor numbers demonstrate that rural traditions and countryside pursuits remain current in today’s modern and bustling world.  2018 has been an outstanding year for the event as we marked the 130th anniversary of the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lycetts Festival of Hunting’s great many partners and supporters who work tirelessly to bring the event together as well as our many visitors, without whom the event would not be possible.”
 
Both long-standing supporters and first-time attendees enjoyed the celebration of this unique and long-held tradition. Katie Tottenham of Addo Events, organisers of Lycetts Festival of Hunting, said: “It has once again been an immense pleasure to stage Lycetts Festival of Hunting, which is undoubtedly our stand out event of the summer season. We are proud to play a part in developing and supporting the ever-evolving festival, which has gone from strength to strength in recent years, whilst remaining true to its unique heritage. Plans are already firmly underway for next year’s show, which will take place on Wednesday 17th July 2019.”
 
Lycetts Festival of Hunting 2018 played host to a vibrant variety of showing classes with in-hand and ridden equine classes and qualifiers for the Horse of the Year Show in many categories, as well as the much-loved inter-hunt relay. The wonderful spectacle of hounds competing in the outdoor rings was as colourful as ever, with the attendance of Harriers, Beagles, Basset Hounds, Draghounds and Bloodhounds. For the first time, the Blencathra Fellhounds were invited to parade in the Foxhound Ring before the lunchtime break – a very proud moment for Barry Todhunter.  The Sealey Terriers, Coursing Dogs and The Fitzwilliam Eagle once again provided a wonderful sight for visitors.
 
Following the day’s events, Lycetts welcomed a strong guestlist to attend the afternoon’s drinks reception, which saw George Smith win the Horn Blowing Competition, taking home a much soughtafter hunting horn, engraved and donated by The Hunting Shop.
 
Lycetts returned as title sponsor, marking the third year of their extended five-year partnership agreement. Angus Keate, Deputy Chairman of Lycetts Insurance Brokers said: “We are proud to support what continues to be a thriving event. Our headline sponsorship sits at the heart of Lycetts philosophy to be the chosen insurance and financial services partner for the rural community. Furthermore, our presence at this year’s event allowed us to further cement Lycetts as the most trusted specialist advisor in this sector and allowed us to continue our unwavering commitment to the rural community. It was a joy to see both existing customers and potential new ones alike and we look forward to continuing to be their chosen insurance broking and financial advisor for many years to come.” 
 
Lycetts Festival of Hunting is organised by The East of England Agricultural Society, in association with Addo Events. Next year’s event will take place on Wednesday 17th July 2019 at the East of England Showground, Peterborough. For more information, visit: www.festivalofhunting.com