Posted: 24th April 2015 | Back to news feed
Bolesworth International announce their 5 star ambition at a private launch event at
The London Film Museum, Covent Garden.
Nina Barbour, Director of Bolesworth International, made the announcement to a gathered crowd of invited media and sponsors as well as stars of sport and fashion, including supporters of the event supermodel Jodie Kidd and ITN Newsreader Alastair Stewart.
She said: "We have big ambitions for Bolesworth. 2016 will see us consolidating at CSI4* level. We have definite plans to host our first CSI5* in 2017 with the aim to establish ourselves as one of the leading European shows on the international calendar."
Bolesworth International is a four day spectacular of world-class sporting action and glamour that attracts more than 30,000 visitors to Bolesworth Castle in rural Cheshire, home to the Barbour family for over 150 years. The show was awarded 4 star status for 2015, elevating Bolesworth into the top five show jumping venues in the UK, alongside Hickstead, Royal Windsor and Olympia. Nina Barbour also collected the top British Showjumping Award earlier this year, for Bolesworth's contribution to the sport.
Horses and riders from all over the world including Bolesworth ambassador and winner of last year's Grand Prix, William Whitaker, will compete for a share of the impressive £250,000 prize fund. The event runs just two months before the 2015 European Championships in Germany, when Great Britain will attempt to secure the prized Rio 2016 Olympics qualification. Other riders who are confirmed for the Bolesworth International include Laura Kraut, Jessica Springsteen, Nick Skelton and Marlon Modola Zanotelli to name just a few.
International show-jumper and winner of the 2014 Bolesworth Grand Prix, William Whitaker, commented:
“Bolesworth International is a world-class venue, it’s one of the best shows I’ve jumped at and to have a new CSI4* in Britain is exciting. Winning the Redrow Grand Prix at last year’s event was special, the arena is unique and the surroundings are spectacular. The whole event is so welcoming, the show has left an impressive mark on the equestrian calendar, and it will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Spectators enjoy this world-class level of equestrian competition as well as the glamour of the celebrities and aristocracy in attendance. The four day event also includes a live music concert with popular band Scouting For Girls, dressage to music and a fabulous fashion show with designers Cleo B and Sally Ellis of S’ve. As well as this there is an exciting addition to the Saturday night entertainment schedule with a Gladiators knockout competition. Original Gladiators from the TV family favourite will compete against eight invited teams including event sponsors, mascots, celebrity contenders and international riders who will battle it out in the main arena. The knockout competition will be hosted by supermodel Jodie Kidd and original Gladiators’ referee John Anderson.
BBC Sports Presenter and fan of the event, Mike Bushell, said:
“Last year was my first visit to Bolesworth and I was bowled over by the stunning setting, the castle provides such a spectacular backdrop to the action in the arena and is set up with style and elegance in mind. I'm really getting to know Cheshire now as I am working from Media City, and it's like coming across a prize jewel. Nina is really putting the county on the map by bringing this level of international competition to the North West."
This fantastic event offers something for visitors of all ages and interests and children under 12 are admitted for free. There are a multitude of animal displays including camels, reptiles, parrots and the much-loved dog show. Thrill-seekers can even see world champion jet-skier Anthony Burgess take to Bolesworth Lake for a display of death-defying stunts and tricks. For shoppers and foodies the Fine Food, Fashion & Lifestyle Festival runs during the event from 19- 21 June and includes a food court with celebrity chef demonstrations, home interior workshops, fashion shows and an extensive shopping village.
The team has also confirmed plans for a new CSI3* show to be held at Liverpool's Echo Arena on 1-3 January 2016. This event will kick off with a spectacular New Year’s Eve party and has been modelled on successful European events such as the Gucci Masters, and will be the first of its kind in the UK. With a packed schedule of world-class sports action and family entertainment planned, it is hoped that the event will attract visitors who are new to the sport or perhaps have very little knowledge of it to come along and enjoy a ground-breaking new event in the city.
Major sponsors of the 2015 event include Redrow Homes Limited, IFX, Cazenove Capital Management, Ashford Farm, Equiline, Halsall Electrical and Equestrian.com.
Show and concert tickets are available for the 2015 Bolesworth International event now go to www.bolesworthinternational.com
Go to the website for more information and full details of the 4 day event programme.
left to right: William Whitaker, Alastair Stewart, Nina Barbour of Bolesworth International, Mike Bushell and Jodie Kidd
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