Photos: Game Fair 2014 attracts the crowds

The CLA Game Fair is a great day out for many people, offering visitors an opportunity to try out new sports, do a spot of shopping and catch up with old friends.

But there’s a serious side to it too – with the seminar programme giving rural people to debate some of the key issues facing the countryside.

See more: Top ten attractions at CLA Game Fair

And this year, farm minister George Eustice and Ukip leader Nigel Farage both attended in a bid to align themselves with rural voters.

The event is held at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire from 18-21 July.

Farmers Weekly brings you some photographic highlights from the first day:

Visitors pour into the Game Fair

Boxing hares on show at the fair.

The only gorilla at the show.

Griff, 15-months-old, used his John Deere to get around the show

Some young visitors make a new friend

An example of some of the goods on show at the fair.

As the temperature rose this visitor made the most of the shade.

Strawberries and cream were on offer

Ukip leader Nigel Farage enjoyed a cooling refreshment with Ross Murray, CLA deputy president

Some visitors took shade under umbrellas…

and others napped under the shade of the trees.

This hound looked a little sleepy too.