Posted: 14th November 2018 | Back to news feed
WHAT’S NEW AT OLYMPIA, THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW 2018
Taking place from 17-23 December 2018, Olympia, The London International Horse Show will introduce several new features this year, ranging from a new equestrian display to more audience interaction and improved catering. Olympia is as focused as ever on enhancing the experiences of the 90,000 visitors expected to attend over the seven-day festive competition.
‘Land of Fire’ Azerbaijan – never seen before at Olympia
This year, ‘Land of Fire’ Azerbaijan is coming to Olympia for the first time to perform its impressive display. Having performed around the world, 12 horses and riders will be making the trip to the Olympia Grand Hall to entertain the audience with acrobatic movements at top speed and to the highest standard.
Alongside the horse and rider combinations a unique dance ensemble called the ‘Sarhadchi’, will perform traditional folk dances. Capturing Azerbaijani heritage and its long-standing relationship with the Karabakh horse, the act has previously been performed in front of HM The Queen at the BAFTA award-winning Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations.
‘Eating and Seating’
In response to a visitor survey following the 2017 event, the Organisers of Olympia have made a conscious effort to increase catering options across the board and particularly for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dietary requirements. ‘Street Food’ at Olympia will offer, amongst others: Buddha Bowl and Masala Dosa, serving the finest vegetarian dishes. Following visitor requests for extra seating for those who have purchased food, Olympia has designed ‘seating for eating’ which provides additional space for visitors to sit down and enjoy their meal.
And, this year, Olympia welcomes an entirely new restaurant to the Show; ‘The Gallery Restaurant’ is modelled on a British Steakhouse and will serve the finest beef from grass fed native cattle, as well as the best fish from sustainable sources. Guests can enjoy starters such as a Chapel & Swan smoked salmon, Woodall’s award-winning Cumbrian air-dried ham, and mouth-watering main courses including a signature 900g dry aged tomahawk sharing steak cooked on a chargrill. Tables can be pre-booked online on the Show’s website.
In addition, visitors may like to explore the new Pergola Olympia London, a rooftop bar and restaurant located on top of the historic Olympia London. With incredible views, a selection of restaurants, drinks and music, the venue will be open extra hours in honour of the International Horse Show.
Olympia trials new and exciting FEI Grand Prix Dressage World Cup™ format.
A new format to the UK leg of the FEI Grand Prix Dressage World Cup™, will be trialled for the very first time on Monday 17 December. Designed to increase the engagement of the audience, the newly designed competition will feature a shorter Grand Prix technical set test of five minutes, allowing time for the competitor to remain in the arena immediately after the test for an interview and to watch the judges' scores. During the Grand Prix, spectators will also be able try their hand at marking with the spectator judging app.
Talks and signings in the Olympia Live Zone
With a new programme, the Olympia Live Zone will be bigger and better than ever this year. Located in ‘The Winter Market’ on the Gallery level of the Shopping Village, the Live Zone will provide an opportunity for visitors to meet and greet famous riders, officials and well-known horses.
Tickets can be purchased at www.olympiahorseshow.com or by telephone on 0844 995 0995.
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