Celebrities add weight to UK’s biggest-ever engagement programme

The Angling Trade Association’s biggest-ever engagement programme is set to take place at the Game Fair at the end of this month.

The Association, the official voice of the UK angling trade, has pulled off a major coup by working with the Fair’s organisers to stage a brand new industry-backed initiative under its Get Into Fishing (GIF) brand.

The lake-side event runs throughout the three days (July 28th-30th) at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, and will feature TV celebrities including Gone Fishing star Paul Whitehouse (main image, left),  River Monsters presenter Jeremy Wade and TV actor and founder of Activist Anglers, Jim Murray.

“I’m keen to talk to fellow fishermen at the Game Fair,” said Whitehouse. ”It will also be an opportunity to promote fishing to a wider audience and ultimately increase diversity within the pastime.”

Murray (below), who played Prince Andrew in Netflix series The Crown, said it was a no-brainer for him to attend. “Not only does it attract politicians and decision-makers, but tens of thousands of anglers, so it is a great platform to spread the word and inspire people.”

GIF at The Game Fair will also serve as the launch of the ATA’s National Fishing Month, which starts on August 1st and engages new and returning anglers in events all over the country to drive participation.

There will be free coaching sessions available and a range of other features including demonstrations by experts, talk in the Landing Stage Theatre, kids’ activities,  competitions and the Environment Agency fish tank, as well as the opportunity to buy tackle from leading brands.