BIRDS of prey will take to the sky over Stratford Racecourse in the first British speed trials this weekend.
Eagles, hawks, falcons and owls will race against the clock to see which is the fastest in the British Speed Trials & Falconry Event on Saturday and Sunday (October 28 and 29).
Actor David Bradley – not Stratford’s Harry Potter caretaker – who flew into the limelight in classic 70s film Kes where he played a young boy who turned his life around after learning falconry, will be at the event.
He said: “I look forward to meeting both falconers and the general public, where on both days I’ll be giving a keynote homily about my personal experience of being Billy Casper in Kes.
“With static and aerial displays of extraordinary beauty by a multitude of birds, it’s a must-see event and well worth attending.”
Event organiser Tara Kendall-Sykes hopes the event will become as popular in the UK as it is abroad.
She told the Observer: “Falcon racing is huge is the United Arab Emirates and we want to make it as big over here in the UK, however we want to make it open to everyone not just the elite.“
Displays, stalls and demonstrations will also be held over the course of the weekend, along with the opportunity to camp on site.
Tickets cost £5 or £20 to camp.
Search ‘British Speed Trials & Falconry Event 2017’ on facebook to find out more.
