BRITISH OPEN FENCING CHAMPIONSHIPS AND SPEED FENCING COMPETITION SET TO IGNITE APF SHOW 2026
BRITISH OPEN FENCING CHAMPIONSHIPS AND SPEED FENCING COMPETITION SET TO IGNITE APF SHOW 2026
McVeigh Parker is proud to announce the return of two of the UK’s most prestigious and dynamic fencing events at the APF Show 2026, taking place on 24–25 September.
The British Open Fencing Championship and the British Open Speed Fencing Competition will once again draw top industry talent, leading brands, and an enthusiastic audience to the iconic APF hill for two days of high-energy competition and exceptional craftsmanship.
British Open Fencing Championships — Friday 25 September
The flagship British Open Fencing Championships, sponsored by McVeigh Parker, will unfold on Friday 25 September. Between 12 and 14 elite two-person teams will compete head-to-head and against the clock for the coveted title of British Open Champion 2026.
Taking place on the renowned Ragley Hall slope, known for its challenging, realistic terrain, the competition demands exceptional skill, speed, and precision. Teams must construct 60 metres of stock fencing within four hours, incorporating a turn, strutted and box strainers, and working exclusively with hand tools.
Judges will assess every detail:
• Overall straightness
• Post verticality
• Accuracy and neatness of struts
• Wire tension
• Quality of knots and netting tying off
Teams of two are challenged to enter one or both of these events. Due to the popular demand of these events, all competitors will go into a draw. The draw will take place two months before the event on the 24th July. McVeigh Parker will publish the successful teams on social media and advise accordingly.
British Open Prizes
• Winner – To be crowned the British Open Fencing Champion team 2026, £1000 cash plus two unique Xfence trophies
• 2nd place – £500
• 3rd – £250
All winners will be presented with their trophy and prize money at 4.30pm on 25 September at the McVeigh Parker stand.
The Fencing Village — A Growing Industry Hub
The hugely successful Fencing Village, created by McVeigh Parker for the 2022 APF Show, has expanded into a major attraction in its own right. Bringing together leading fencing manufacturers, suppliers, and innovators, it has become a central meeting point for installers, contractors, specifiers, and buyers. For anyone involved in agricultural, forestry, or commercial fencing, the Fencing Village is now considered an essential stop during the show.
British Open Speed Fencing Competition — Thursday 24 September
Back by popular demand, the British Open Speed Fencing Competition returns on Thursday 24 September after a highly successful inaugural event in 2024. This unique contest was created in response to the rapid growth of long-life, all-steel fencing systems such as Clipex steel posts, Triple X strainers, and the latest netting and fixing technologies from XFence, Gripple, and Strainrite.
Teams will compete throughout the day, erecting 35 metres of steel-based fencing under strict time pressure while maintaining impeccable workmanship. The winner earns the prestigious title of British Open Speed Fencer 2026.
Speed fencing Prize – Bragging rights to be crowned British Open Speed Fencer winners plus two unique Gripple trophies, £500 prize money and a Gripple goodie bag.
Expert Judging Panel
Both competitions will be overseen by some of the most respected professionals in the sector, including:
• Hugh Morrison, Strainrite – global trainer with decades of experience
• James Hill, agricultural fencing contractor with 30+ years in the industry
McVeigh Parker Statement
Stuart Mills, Sales Director at McVeigh Parker, commented:
“The 2022 and 2024 events were exceptional, and the feedback from competitors and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive. Demand to enter has always been high, and we expect the same this year. With so many foresters now erecting or specifying fencing, APF is the perfect venue to showcase best practice and innovation. We are excited to welcome both returning competitors and new entrants.”
The McVeigh Parker team look forward to welcoming both old and new visitors to our stand and the fencing ring at the golden anniversary APF show.
