Virtual Birdfair goes live

Virtual Birdfair is now live, organisers of the unique online event have announced.

When this year's Birdfair was cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the organisers of birding's biggest event thought outside the box and have spent the past few months working to move the fair online.

Virtual Birdfair will feature everything visitors might expect from the physical event, including lectures and discussions, product launches, artwork, the fundraising auction and special offers from a variety of exhibitors (including BirdGuides and Birdwatch).

This year's Virtual Birdfair is now live.

This year's State of the Earth question time is hosted by Dominic Dyer and features a panel of experts, including Dr Jane Goodall, Chris Packham, Craig Bennett and Liz Bonnin, among others, taking questions from the audience. It takes place on Friday 21 August at from 7 pm until 9.30 pm.

A series of live-streamed and on-demand talks, discussions, lectures and even an African safari are available. All the expected exhibitors, from travel and conservation organisations to optics and books, have virtual stands where you can find new products and special offers. An online gallery features art from the best wildlife artists.

Nature writers including Dominic Couzens, Rob Hume, Ian Newton and Megan McCubbin will be talking about their books in the Authors Forum. The Wild Zone, for young visitors, features a host of downloadable activities and live events. Birdfair also has a serious message and this year will be raising funds to help protect Helmeted Hornbill. This extraordinary-looking bird – along with many more species – is at risk from poaching and trade.

Virtual Birdfair is completely free, so event organisers are asking virtual visitors to donate what they can. Find out more about the project and how you can help. For the full programme of events, list of exhibitors, the art gallery and more, visit virtual.birdfair.org.uk.