Bolesworth Castle will host its first international showjumping event next week, attracting riders from all over the world.
Several Olympians have confirmed plans to attend this year’s event, including London 2012 gold medallist Nick Skelton and local celebrity Geoff Billington, of Nantwich.
International status will elevate Bolesworth into the top five showjumping venues in the UK, alongside Hickstead, Windsor and Olympia.
Horses and riders will compete for a share of an impressive £125,000 prize fund and will have the chance to gain valuable world-ranking points over three Longines Ranking Classes.
The show will run from June Thursday 12 to Sunday 15, with the feature Grand Prix event on Sunday at 2pm.
Maria Clayton, head of communications at British Showjumping, said: “To have another international show in Great Britain is something that the sport was desperately in need of.
“British showjumpers have put the sport back on the global map by not only winning Team Gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games and two individual medals at the European Championships last year, but also dominating the world ranking list with Brits Scott Brash and Ben Maher currently taking the top two places.
“Bolesworth will allow spectators to enjoy watching the sport at its very best, and will give our riders the opportunity to gain valuable international experience on home soil.”
The event is a huge boost to the area’s economy, taking place in the Bolesworth Estate, traditionally a dairy farming estate that now boasts more than 125 commercial lettings which employ over 850 people.
Several key sponsors have been confirmed, including local waste management firm Gaskells, investment managers Cazenove, and foreign exchange specialists IFX.
Bolesworth is also proud to be supporting World Horse Welfare, the UK’s largest equine rescue and re-homing charity and children’s hospice Claire House.
An exciting feature of this year’s event is a live open-air pop concert from boy band Blue on the Friday evening.
Concert-goers will be able to enjoy a great family day out during the daytime before the concert as part of their ticket price.
Bolesworth is not just an event for equestrians, but a whole programme of family activities and attractions.
Grandstand seating and parking are free with adult entrance tickets, priced at £10 online, and children under 12 go free.
The vast array of activities on offer include a rare opportunity for camel riding and the chance to experience some animal magic with an exotic reptile show, micro pigs, birds of prey, Newfoundland rescue bears and parrot displays.
More adrenalin-fuelled activities include stunt bike displays, a funfair, land and water zorbing, indoor caving and an 18ft climbing wall.
The extensive shopping village will be packed with a huge variety of trade stands and full catering and bar facilities will be available.
The Bolesworth Food, Fashion and Lifestyle Festival will be running during the event from Friday 13, to Sunday 15, and will be celebrating all the best in local food and drink, holistic beauty and lifestyle with fashion shows and demonstrations with celebrity chef Brian Mellor.
For more information, full details of the event programme and to purchase tickets go to: www.bolesworthinternational.com.
Tickets for the event are also available at: www.seetickets.com/event/bolesworth-international/bolesworth-castle/770166.
