30 top fencers to compete at APF 2026

On 24-25 September 2026, the industry’s leading fencing contractors will gather on the famous Ragley Estate’s hill to compete in two of the industry’s most prestigious events: the British Speed Fencing Competition and the British Open Fencing Championships, both organised and sponsored by McVeigh Parker.

The British Open Speed Fencing Competition — Thursday 24 September

Following a successful debut in 2024, the British Open Speed Fencing Competition returns to APF 2026.

Created in response to huge demand for long‑life all‑steel fencing systems, the contest spotlights the power and efficiency of Clipex steel posts, Triple X steel strainers, and high‑performance netting and fixings from Xfence, Gripple and Strainrite.

The challenge:

• Teams race throughout the day on 24 September
• Install 30m of fencing using full all‑steel systems
• Balance raw speed with rock‑solid quality
• Deliver the highest standards under intense time pressure
• The winning team will be crowned British Open Speed Fencer 2026.

In 2024, Charlie Wright and Luke Gibson set an impressive benchmark of 18 minutes and 59 seconds to win the inaugural Gripple British Open Speed Fencing Trophy. The question for 2026 is whether any team can better that remarkable achievement.

The British Open Fencing Championship — Friday 25 September

Fifteen elite two-person teams will go head‑to‑head on the famous Ragley Hall slope, racing against the clock to secure the coveted title of British Open Champion.

The challenge:

• Construct 60m of stock fencing in just 4 hours
• Include one turn, strutted and box strainers
• Use hand tools only
• Deliver near‑perfect straightness, tension, post alignment and knot work
• Every detail counts. Every mistake costs. Only the most precise, composed, and skilled will walk away with the trophy, the prize money, and the prestige.
• The winners will be crowned at 4pm on 25 September at the McVeigh Parker stand.

Returning to defend their title are 2024 champions Mark Evans and Nic Quan, who took home the coveted Xfence Trophy after winning the British Open Traditional Fencing Championship.

Stuart Mills, Sales Director at McVeigh Parker, says: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the interest — entries have had to be capped at 15 teams. Ragley Estate hill’s real‑world terrain will push competitors to their limits and deliver a brilliant spectacle. These competitions celebrate true craftsmanship using premium materials. It’s an honour to be part of APF’s 50th anniversary.”

The competitions will be overseen by an expert judging panel with more than 200 years of combined industry experience.     

Hugh Morrison, Strainrite – global trainer with decades of experience

James Hill, agricultural fencing contractor with 30+ years in the industry

Andy Bartlett, agricultural fencing contractor with 30+ years in the industry

Charlie Wright, a past competitor, he knows what it takes to win

John Frizzell, Electric Fencing & Prattley UK Category Manager at Datamars Agri UK Ltd, a recognised face of fencing in the UK for over 50 years

Advancing British Fencing

McVeigh Parker has driven the evolution of British fencing for the last 20 years with the introduction of Xfence fabricated netting in 2007 and Clipex all‑steel posts in 2014.

These two products combined and the hard work of the MP team getting steel posts approved on government grants in 2023, have reshaped the industry and the UK landscape, setting benchmarks imitators still chase.

Today, these products continue to define performance, durability and long‑term value.

The Fencing Village

Born from a McVeigh Parker concept in 2022, the Fencing Village has rapidly become one of the APF Show’s most talked about attractions.

Now larger than ever, it brings together leading brands, the latest innovations and everything a fencing installer, buyer, or specifier needs to see in one place.

The following fencing products and tools will be available with exclusive show offers at the McVeigh Parker stand in the Fencing Village: 

Clipex

Market-leading steel fence posts offering strength, rapid installation and a design life exceeding 30 years.

Find out more.

Pole+ from Scanpole

High-quality, environmentally certified timber posts trusted by contractors and landowners alike, backed by a 40-year service life guarantee.

Find out more.

Xfence

Premium fabricated netting that has become a benchmark for performance across the UK. Supplied with a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty and fully compatible with Clipex steel posts.

Find out more.

Strainrite

With a heritage dating back to the early 1970s, Strainrite is recognised globally for its range of professional fencing tools and equipment.

Find out more.

Gripple

Innovative wire joining and tensioning products designed for agricultural and infrastructure fencing projects.

Find out more.

Easy Petrol Post Driver

The Easy Petrol Post Driver is a professional-grade, Australian-made post-driving machine that enables the fast and accurate installation of hundreds of posts per day, while reducing labour requirements and operator fatigue.

Find out more.

Visitors can learn more about the products used in both competitions, meet leading manufacturers and contractors, and take advantage of exclusive APF show offers throughout the two-day event.