ANNUAL showjumping extravaganza The Bolesworth Classic will play host to an Olympic gold medallist at this year’s event.

Equestrian legend Nick Skelton will compete at the show which runs from Thursday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2 at the Bolesworth Estate in Tattenhall. Now in its sixth year, the show sees horses and riders competing for a share of an impressive £70,000 prize fund.

Mr Skelton, who took home a gold medal at last year’s Olympic Games in London, will be attempting to reclaim the Bolesworth Classic Grand Prix trophy he won in style in 2010.

Previous winners of the feature class of the show include the legendary John Whitaker, who has represented Great Britain at five Olympics Games, and Cheshire double Olympian Geoff Billington. Geoff Billington will be riding at Bolesworth, and he too is a double Olympian.

Show director Alan Beaumont said: “Bolesworth is the equestrian highlight in the UK over the weekend.

“The Grand Prix always produces spectacular jumping and a dramatic climax to the event and we have the largest prize fund on offer and will be expecting many of the top riders to be here.”

Nina Barbour, director of the Bolesworth Estate and the inspiration behind Bolesworth Classic, added: “The Bolesworth Classic is the centrepiece of our summer.

“It has a unique atmosphere and is a wonderful showcase for modern British rural life. We combine top-class equestrian sport with fun-filled entertainment for families who want to enjoy a great value day out.”

This year’s Bolesworth Classic will feature all-round entertainment for the whole family, including the Bolesworth Food, Fashion and Lifestyle Festival which will be celebrating the best in local produce, real ale, clothing, art and crafts, holistic, beauty and lifestyle.

And there will be plenty of activities for children of under 12 to enjoy including a popular vintage funfair, mini quad biking, climbing wall, trampolines, zorbing, archery, as well as demonstrations by the pony club, pedigree and novelty dog shows, and plenty of opportunity to browse and shop in the extensive shopping village.

Entrance for children under 12 is free and there will be free parking in the grounds.

To order tickets and for more information visit www.bolesworthclassic.co.uk