My memorable first visit to the Lycetts Festival of Hunting

I had been keen to visit the Festival of Hunting for many years and so I jumped at the opportunity to attend the iconic event on Wednesday. As a small child, I used to go along with my grandmother to meets of packs of hounds in Essex. One of my long-lasting memories was being completely adored by the hounds and always coming home covered head to toe in dribble stains. Wednesday's Festival of Hunting did not disappoint and it certainly took me back to my childhood; as the dry cleaning bill can attest to.

The first thing that jumped out at me when I arrived at the East of England showground, other than an excitable hound, was the sheer amount of passion in the air.

Everyone was dressed impeccably, and the atmosphere was electric. I was welcomed by all those I met, and I really appreciated readers of my Morning Briefing popping over to say hello. It was noticeable just how many younger people were in attendance and it was delightful to see generations of families cheering each other on at the various competitions held throughout the day.

The Countryside Alliance tent was buzzing, with people visiting us to let the team know what they'd been up to and to give us feedback about our work throughout the year. It was a real pleasure to meet Lucy Warhust, who gave out samples of her amazing new line of 'hard tonics'. The innovative new start-up offers three exquisite flavours, which you can read about online. Lucy, who is based in Oxfordshire, founded her Percival and Co business after becoming tired of never being able to find a low-calorie, light alcoholic drink option when out and about with friends. While it can be drunk alone - ideally on ice with a slice - it can also serve as a mixer with gin to complete the ultimate G & T. Cheers to Tony Holdsworth, who was on hand with his delicious Silver Fox gin which we offered to Countryside Alliance supporters to quench their thirst in the heat.

Three of the hard tonics available from Percival and Co

We were delighted to host the Hunt Staff Benefit Society (HSBS) stall within our stand and that proved popular too. As well as publishing a variety of great hunting books and other useful information, the HSBS also offers members of professional hunt staff a Personal Pension Scheme which they can contribute to throughout their careers in hunt service.

I was introduced to various hunts throughout the day and it was a real pleasure to meet Barry Todhunter and the Blencathra foxhounds. Barry took the time to run through the long and distinguished history of the Blencathra and I was taken back by just how many hounds Barry had exported all over the world; including to Trinidad and Tobago, Ireland, Finland and the United States.

Barry Todhunter introduces Tim Bonner and I to the Blencathra foxhounds

One of the main highlights for me was the horn blowing contest in the Lycetts hospitality tent later in the evening. Amateur competitors from across the country took turns to see who could blow the best calls on various horns, each ranking in difficulty. While everyone did a great job, I couldn't get away with not mentioning the little boy who can't have been much older than four-years-old, who gave it a strong showing. I am utterly convinced he did a better job than I ever could…

As the day drew to a close, I talked to people from all over the country, many of whom took the time to talk about their various hunts and the tremendous amount of good work they do in their local communities. Several invites were extended, and I can't wait to join them all for a day out over the coming year.

Many youngsters were present and taking part in various contests throughout the day

The Festival of Hunting was a much needed insight into this historic, rural tradition; particularly as a layman . My main take-home from the action-packed day was that these vibrant, community driven, hunting families aren't going anywhere anytime soon. And nor should they.

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