The Federation of British Aquatic Societies' annual Festival of Fishkeeping, is set to take place at the Hounslow Urban Farm in Middlesex, over the weekend of October 3–4, 2015.
The Festival has a long tradition of presenting all that’s best in the practical side of fishkeeping.
Basically, everyone likes showing off and the two days in October will give ample opportunity for not only proud fishkeepers to do just that but also hundreds of other fishkeeping visitors to marvel at how they do it.
Each day will provide a showcase for show-winning fish – either singly, in pairs, breeders teams or as collections in superbly furnished aquariums. On hand will be experts from the aquatic Trade to show what’s new and also to offer advice and guidance about any fishkeeping question you care to throw at them.
Must-see Festival highlights
Fishkeeping exhibitors can flex their muscles in three main competitions on Saturday:
The British Open in the place to see all the ‘Best in Show’ winners from 2015 competing for top spot.
The Festival AS Open Show, sponsored by FLUVAL, is the last chance saloon to get your hands on a Show Trophy for 2015, whilst the Diamond Class Final features winning fish from Societies’ choice of Classes in 2015.
Sunday brings the real excitement with all the best of the best battling it out in three more high-class competitions.
The FBAS Supreme Final is the equivalent of the Grand Champion finals found in almost every other pet-related Shows and winning this is considered the ultimate achievement amongst fishkeepers.
Whilst every fish exhibited at the Festival is clearly a testament to its owner’s fishkeeping skills, entries in the Supreme Pairs and Supreme Breeders categories reflect a more complete achievement.
The challenge appears simple - just pick your pair of fishes and then breed from them – except that it’s often more difficult than that and you could be surprised as to how many species can be bred.
Away from the competitive areas, there will be plenty of fish-related things to see. Amongst the planned attractions (so far) will be:
- Aquatic equipment and advice
- Home bred fish sales
- Specialist livebearer sales
- Reptile display
- Dry goods display and sales
- Large Discus sales and display
- FishScience fish foods
- Japanese Koi sales and display
- Sturgeon display and sales
- Bonsai sales and display
- Plus ex-display fish tanks, stands and pond equipment for sale (to be collected at the conclusion of the festival, or delivered locally for a nominal charge, please ask for details)
There's also plenty for the children to do, including:
- Free children’s face painting
- Children’s colouring corner
- Bouncy castles
- Children’s tractors
- Farm tours
- Pony rides
- Farm animals
- Animal encounters
Hungry or thirsty? Visit the cafeteria and BBQ.
Admission (to both the Festival and the farm):
Adult £7.50
Children £6.00
Children (under 2 years) FREE
Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £24
Hounslow Urban Farm is situated on Faggs Road, Feltham, Middlesex TW14 0LZ
Need more info? Please email the Festival organiser [email protected] with any queries you may have.
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