Dances with fly rods at Chatsworth 2018

Two of the leading fly casting demonstrators in the world today will be joining forces at this year's Chatsworth Country Fair (31 August to 2 September) for an unique celebration of casting.

The director of our Fishing for Schools charity Charles Jardine (right), who needs little introduction to visitors to Chatsworth having presented, demonstrated and cooked at the fair for more than 20 years, will be joined by Royal Ballet trained ex-dancer Christopher Rownes (left), who has latterly become a giant in the world of roll casting and demonstrations of technical fly casting wizardry throughout Europe.

Chris will be flying in specially for the event from his home in Basle, Switzerland and join Charles for what promises to be a spectacular demonstration of fly rod art, elegance and the odd surprise.

Charles said of this unique fly-casting fusion: "I have always wanted to work with Chris and we have been talking about this collaboration ever since we met at a show Germany, some five years ago. Both of us believe passionately that fly casting can be art; it can be elegant …and deadly. What will the audience see? You had best come and find out…."

And Christopher commented: "The idea, realistically took hold at the London Fly Show. Dance and fly casting have natural synergy and a well-executed roll or Spey cast can be a thing of sublime beauty. We want to explore the pas de deux of fly casting. Why not? Let us bring art to the river and to Chatsworth."

Both fishermen are hugely excited at the prospect of demonstrating at the show and the revamped Angling Village that has so much to offer everyone this year – whether they fish or not!

This year's expanded Angling Village is brought to you by Fishing for Schools, founded by Charles Jardine in 2007.

As well as Charles and Christopher, he fishing area will boast demonstrations by carp king Hassan Khan (left) and "the nicest man on the river bank" expert Nick Speed, among others, plus trade stands, demos, coaching and competitions – including the annual grudge match of fly versus maggot.

A team of instructors will be on hand to answer questions and chat about Fishing for Schools and there will be loads for the kids to do, including have ago at coarse and fly fishing, fly tying and a scavenger hunt

So will it be tights or waders on the river bank? It remains to be seen…