UK Shooting Events and Shows Worth Attending in 2026
Quick Answer
The 2026 UK shooting calendar includes a strong lineup of shows, competitions and countryside events. The Great British Shooting Show at the NEC ran in February, the NRA Imperial Meeting at Bisley takes place in June, and The Game Fair returns to Ragley Hall in Warwickshire in July. Whether you are interested in equipment, competition, or simply meeting other shooters, there are events across the year worth planning for. This guide covers the major fixtures and what to expect from each.
What are the biggest UK shooting shows in 2026?
The UK has a well-established circuit of major shooting shows that run each year. The most significant are:
- The Great British Shooting Show - held at the NEC, Birmingham in February, this is the UK's largest indoor shooting show with over 2,000 brands under one roof
- The Game Fair - the premier countryside and field sports event, returning to Ragley Hall in Warwickshire from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July 2026
- The NRA Imperial Meeting - the prestigious target rifle competition held at Bisley Camp, Surrey, running 11 to 18 June 2026
- BASC regional shows and events - BASC attends a wide programme of countryside and shooting events throughout the year
Each show serves a different audience. The Great British Shooting Show is heavily retail-focused and suits anyone wanting to handle new equipment, compare products or pick up deals. The Game Fair is broader in countryside appeal and attracts a mix of shooting, fishing, falconry and rural lifestyle visitors. The Imperial Meeting is primarily a competitive event for target shooters at Bisley.
What happened at the Great British Shooting Show 2026?
The Great British Shooting Show ran from 13 to 15 February 2026 at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. The event is fully endorsed by leading industry manufacturers, distributors and retailers, and typically features celebrity appearances from respected British shooting athletes including George Digweed, Amber Rutter and Nathan Hales.
The show is the UK's largest indoor shooting exhibition. For those who missed the 2026 edition, the next show is already confirmed for 12 to 14 February 2027 at the NEC.
If you attended the 2026 show and purchased ammunition, accessories or new equipment, this is a good time to update your records in Vectis Shooting Log with any new firearms, moderators, or ammunition stocks acquired.
What is the NRA Imperial Meeting at Bisley?
The NRA Imperial Meeting is the UK's most prestigious fullbore target rifle competition, held annually at Bisley Camp in Surrey. The 2026 event runs from Thursday 11 to Thursday 18 June 2026.
The Imperial is not just a competition. It is a gathering of the target shooting community that draws competitors from across the UK and internationally. Events run throughout the week, from individual target rifle matches to team competitions including the King's Prize, which is one of the most sought-after individual trophies in British rifle shooting.
Bisley Camp itself is the home of UK target shooting. The National Rifle Association (NRA) administers the ranges, and the National Shooting Centre (NSC) operates facilities on the site. Competitions run at ranges from 300 to 1,000 yards, and the Imperial week is the highlight of the fullbore season.
For certificate holders who attend, it is worth recording your competition entries, scores, and any significant results in your shooting log. The Imperial is exactly the kind of activity that demonstrates active, responsible use of a firearms certificate.
What is The Game Fair and when is it in 2026?
The Game Fair is the UK's leading countryside event, covering field sports, country living, conservation and the rural economy. In 2026 it returns to Ragley Hall in Warwickshire from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July.
For shooters, The Game Fair offers a mix of practical shooting demonstrations, gunmaker stands, cartridge testing, dog demonstrations and countryside policy discussions. It attracts exhibitors from across the shooting and rural world including BASC, the Countryside Alliance, gunmakers, clothing brands and rural charities.
BASC members receive complimentary entry to the show and 20% off gate prices for any additional guest tickets, which makes it a cost-effective day out for certificate holders who are BASC members.
The Game Fair is particularly relevant for shotgun shooters and field sports enthusiasts. Game shooting, rough shooting, pigeon shooting and wildfowling interests are all well represented, alongside conservation discussions and land management topics.
What other shooting events are worth noting in 2026?
Beyond the headline shows, the UK shooting calendar includes a broad range of club competitions, discipline championships and specialist events:
- NRA National Rifle Association events at Bisley: The NRA runs a full events calendar beyond the Imperial, including discipline-specific events through the spring, summer and early autumn shooting season. Nationals for GR&P, CSR, TS and McQueen events run across the summer.
- NSRA and pistol events: The National Small-bore Rifle Association runs competitions for indoor and outdoor target shooting, with events at affiliated clubs and national venues throughout the year.
- Clay shooting championships: CPSA and BASC run a calendar of clay shooting competitions from spring through to autumn, covering English Sporting, Skeet, Trap and various disciplines.
- Deer management training: DSC1 and DSC2 courses run throughout the year via BASC, Lantra and BDS. Attending a course or refresher is worth logging as part of your stalking record.
- Club open days and visitor days: Local clubs run open days through the spring and summer. These are a good way for new shooters to experience different disciplines and for established shooters to introduce friends to the sport.
How should you plan for a major shooting show?
Planning ahead for a major show saves time and money. A few practical points:
- Book tickets early. The Great British Shooting Show and The Game Fair both offer early-bird pricing. BASC membership provides benefits at several events.
- Check what you need to update or replace. Before attending a show with trade stands, check your ammunition stocks, cleaning kit condition, and any equipment that is due for replacement. It is easier to compare products in person.
- Take a list of your firearms and calibres. When looking at moderators, ammunition, or optics, knowing your exact specifications saves guesswork.
- Check certificate conditions before purchasing. If you want to buy a Section 1 item such as a moderator at a show, ensure your certificate has available authority before committing to a purchase.
- Log any purchases promptly. Firearms and moderators acquired at shows must be recorded on your certificate. New ammunition stocks should be updated in your shooting log.
Can you buy ammunition and firearms at UK shooting shows?
Many trade stands at UK shooting shows sell firearms, moderators, ammunition and accessories. Purchases must comply with the Firearms Act 1968 and your certificate conditions.
For ammunition purchases, you must have appropriate authority on your certificate for the calibre and type. For moderators and Section 1 firearms, you need available authority on your FAC. A reputable trade stand will ask to see your certificate before completing a sale.
For shotgun cartridges, you need a valid shotgun certificate. Trade stands selling cartridges will ask to see your certificate at point of sale.
It is good practice to keep receipts from show purchases and log the quantities and descriptions in your shooting log on the day of purchase, not weeks later when the details are less clear.
Are shooting events open to non-certificate holders?
Many shooting events and shows are open to visitors without certificates. The Great British Shooting Show and The Game Fair are general public events. Non-certificate holders can attend, browse trade stands, watch demonstrations and enjoy the atmosphere.
Some show activities such as try-a-shoot experiences, clay demonstrations or guided shooting sessions may be available to non-certificate holders under specific exemptions, depending on the nature and supervision of the activity. Show organisers will advise on what is available to non-certificate visitors.
For anyone considering applying for a certificate, attending a major show is an excellent way to handle different firearm types, meet clubs, speak with BASC advisers, and understand the community before committing to the application process.
How does attending shooting events support your certificate?
Attending competitions, shows and club events is part of demonstrating active, responsible participation in the shooting community. While attending shows is not a formal certificate requirement, the pattern of use it reflects supports the good reason requirement at renewal.
Record shooting events you attend in your log alongside range visits and field shooting activity. A renewal conversation with a firearms enquiry officer is easier when you can point to a clear, consistent pattern of engagement across competitions, club membership, range use and community involvement.
For competition shooters, recording match entries, scores and results is particularly relevant. A series of entered competitions with recorded results is strong evidence of active, purposeful use of a competition-conditioned firearm.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is The Game Fair in 2026?
The Game Fair 2026 takes place at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July 2026. BASC members receive complimentary entry and 20% off additional guest tickets.
When is the Great British Shooting Show?
The Great British Shooting Show 2026 ran from 13 to 15 February at the NEC in Birmingham. The next edition is confirmed for 12 to 14 February 2027 at the same venue.
When is the NRA Imperial Meeting in 2026?
The NRA Imperial Meeting runs from Thursday 11 to Thursday 18 June 2026 at Bisley Camp in Surrey. It is the UK's premier fullbore target rifle competition.
Do I need a certificate to attend a shooting show?
No. Major shows such as the Great British Shooting Show and The Game Fair are open to the general public. You need appropriate certificates only if you intend to purchase controlled items such as Section 1 firearms, moderators, or ammunition at trade stands.
Can I buy a moderator at a shooting show?
Yes, but only if you have available authority on your firearms certificate for a moderator of the appropriate type. Trade stands selling Section 1 items must check your certificate before completing the sale.
What is the best show for a new shooter to attend?
The Great British Shooting Show is particularly suited to new and prospective shooters because it covers the full range of disciplines, brands and equipment in one venue. BASC and other organisations are typically present to offer advice on applying for certificates and getting involved in the sport.
Are there events specifically for deer stalkers?
BASC, BDS and other organisations run deer management training, DSC1 and DSC2 courses, and stalking events throughout the year. The Game Fair also has strong countryside and land management content relevant to stalkers. Check BASC's events calendar for specific course dates.
How do I find out about local club events?
Contact your regional or county gun club, or search through BASC's affiliated clubs directory and the NRA club finder. Local clubs typically publish their competition calendars in early spring for the season ahead.
Should I log shooting events in Vectis Shooting Log?
Yes. Recording competition entries, show visits, training courses and club events builds a useful picture of your participation and keeps your activity history in one place. This is helpful for certificate renewals and for your own reference when planning the next season.