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Christmas at Bolesworth 2023
Get Your Skates on for Christmas at Bolesworth 2023 1024 683 Daniel Shires

Get Your Skates on for Christmas at Bolesworth 2023

The most wonderful time of the year is set to be even more magical in 2023 as Christmas at Bolesworth returns bigger and brighter than ever before.

After thousands of visitors flocked to the winter wonderland sited in the heart of Cheshire in 2022, the team behind Christmas at Bolesworth has added a host of extra dates to give festive revellers even more opportunities to celebrate the season in style.

The event, located eight miles south of Chester, will be open on select days from November the 24th all the way through to New Year’s Eve.

2023 will again see the return of the venue’s spectacular, dazzling lights trail and other favourites like Santa’s Grotto but, following huge demand, a real ice-skating rink will be added as a new centrepiece attraction.

There’ll also be a stunning family-friendly New Year’s Eve firework display, allowing younger visitors to ‘see-in’ 2024 with mum and dad at around 8pm on December the 31st.

Nina Barbour, managing director of Bolesworth said; “We can’t thank the huge numbers of Christmas visitors enough for making our event so special during December. Plans are already being made for 2023 that will include a central feature with a real ice skating-rink, plus many more exciting new zones. We’re also extending the event to run until New Year’s Eve too, where there’ll be incredible fireworks, 200 minutes before the strike of midnight. Allowing families and friends to welcome in the New Year in style.

“Tickets for Christmas at Bolesworth 2023 will go on-sale soon. In the meantime, we invite people to complete our special Christmas survey, to help us understand more about what they loved about the event and the bits we can improve.

“By completing the survey they’ll get access to a special 10% discount on general admission tickets when they go on-sale. What’s more, admission to Santa’s Grotto will be free of charge for all general admission bookings made before the 30th of April 2023.”

To complete the survey, visit https://bit.ly/2022christmassurvey

Discover Bolesworth’s events schedule for 2023.

Michael Owen and Family visit Bolesworth Christmas Lights Trail 2022
Michael Owen Enjoys Family Christmas at Bolesworth 1024 733 Daniel Shires

Michael Owen Enjoys Family Christmas at Bolesworth

England football legend Michael Owen enjoyed an evening at the enchanting Bolesworth Christmas Lights Trail in Cheshire with his family last night, Wednesday the 21st of December.

Following his return from the World Cup, this perfect family outing saw Michael, wife Louise and their four children, soaking up the festive atmosphere at the famous Cheshire castle. The venue has expanded its festive offer even further this year to include a huge light projection on to the castle, dancing fountains on the lake, festive market stalls, huge funfair, real reindeer and, of course, Santa Claus himself.

Michael was seen laughing and smiling with his family as he made his way through the trail – taking time out for plenty of selfies and family pictures en-route. Finishing off with a relaxing Christmas family toast at Bolesworth’s VIP Champagne Island.

Michael said: “This was just the perfect start to Christmas with my family around me.

“The light experience is fabulous – we all had a great time and now all feel very much in the Christmas spirit.”

The Christmas experience at Bolesworth, which is dog friendly, is open right through to 6pm on Christmas Eve.

Further information is available at www.bolesworth.com/christmas

Christmas at Bolesworth 2022 seven days away
Plan Ahead for Christmas at Bolesworth 1024 512 Daniel Shires

Plan Ahead for Christmas at Bolesworth

The Bolesworth Christmas countdown is on. There are seven days until the festive doors open at the Cheshire estate, leaving just enough time to check out the action and plan ahead.

First up, save £££s by pre-booking. It provides a saving of 20 per cent over on the gate fees and, if a trip to Santa’s Grotto is a must-do, an advanced reservation will guarantee a slot.

Friday the 2nd of December depicts the opening of Christmas at Bolesworth and, to celebrate the occasion, the evening will close with a bang when a display of fireworks light up the Cheshire sky.

The season of goodwill will then continue throughout December as the Bolesworth Christmas lights keep shining. Explore the Cheshire venue’s all-new, dog-friendly festive lights trail, get a head start on Christmas shopping, visit Rudoph’s Rest, and simply get into the festive spirit with delicious food and drink. Perhaps even take in a glass of fizz on Champagne Island?

Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a theme or two and, on this front, Bolesworth is set to deliver. Kicking off with a Christmas Jumper Day in support of Save the Children on Thursday the 8th of December, human visitors and their pooches are invited to wear their finest woolly and be in with the chance of winning a prize.

Sunday the 11th of December will see a bevy of runners, or walkers, don a set of red and white gear and participate in the augural Bolesworth 2km Santa Dash in aid of the company’s appointed charity Hope House and Ty Gobaith Children’s Hospices. Entries are now open.

Next up will be a song for Christmas when the 60-strong mixed voice Kelsborrow Choir power up to entertain visitors with seasonal music on Saturday the 17th of December.

Finally, Christmas at Bolesworth ends on a flourish with a fun Festive Fancy Dress day on Christmas Eve where there’ll be prizes up for grabs.

Christmas at Bolesworth is set to entertain and delight this December with a host of seasonal celebrations. Just eight miles south of Chester on the A41.

Tickets are priced from £18.00 with discounted family tickets also available. Find out more at www.bolesworth.com/christmas

Reindeer at Christmas at Bolesworth 2022
Less Than a Month to Christmas at Bolesworth 1024 512 Daniel Shires

Less Than a Month to Christmas at Bolesworth

Christmas at Bolesworth is an exceptional time as the castle grounds are transformed into a festive paradise, adorned in seasonal sparkle and yuletide cheer for a month of winter magic.

This, the most wonderful time of the year, is perfect for friends and families to get together and enjoy the season of goodwill. There will, of course, be plenty to keep the little ones amused, however, there’s a host of activities planned, within the extensive Bolesworth grounds, to make this equally as adult-friendly too.

The Bolesworth all-new 1.2-mile Christmas Lights Trail will be bathed in seasonal colour and illuminated by thousands of stunning lights, projections and interactive installations. With the Bolesworth Castle flooded in unique Son et Lumière projections as a background, visitors will get to enjoy the sight of spectacular light pyramids and orbs on the ground, with lasers, glittering mirror balls and stunning dancing fountains on the ornamental Bolesworth lake.

Christmas markets, sited alongside a large fairground, will feature Xmas gift shopping and mouth-watering food stands serving up a selection of indulgent goodies, from savoury hog roast to delicious, sweet treats. Shoppers can enjoy a glass of spiced mulled wine enjoy a celebratory cocktail or a hot chocolate and soak up the grin-inducing atmosphere of the event.

Heated domes with comfortable and relaxed lounging areas on Bolesworth’s VIP Champagne Island provide a secret hideaway on a hidden island where guests can sit and watch the world go by. The (additional) price includes the use of a heated dome for up to eight people, and a bottle of champagne.

Elsewhere, a winter-warming indoor Alpine Lodge, with welcoming bar and plenty of seating will be packed with things to do together with food, and drink areas.

Those making the trip to the Bolesworth Christmas extravaganza on the night of Friday the 2nd of December, will be treated to an added-bonus in the form of fireworks to celebrate the opening of the month-long event.

Simply put, a trip to Bolesworth could well be the perfect way to celebrate Christmas in Cheshire this year.

Tickets are priced from £18.00. Book online at www.bolesworth.com/christmas

Fireworks at Bolesworth website
Halloween at Bolesworth Closes With Spectacular Fireworks 1024 512 Daniel Shires

Halloween at Bolesworth Closes With Spectacular Fireworks

Halloween at Bolesworth closed on a high on Sunday evening with a vibrant display of fireworks.

The fireworks extravaganza was the culmination of a successful set of Halloween events held for the first time within the grounds of the Bolesworth Estate in Cheshire.

A homegrown maize maze saw hundreds of families navigating their way around spooky twists and turns, while the enormous pumpkin patch was swamped with happy pickers selecting the finest gourds to load up on wheelbarrows and take home.

Gandeys Circus rocked up to Bolesworth with a specially-created one-hour performance of its Halloween Show. The multi-national cast of artistes, from Cuba, Kazakhstan, Mexico, South Africa, France and the UK, wowed the crowd with daring acts displaying incredible skills of strength, co-ordination, balance, and technique. They entertained with choreographed routines of dance and song and startled with spooky characters designed to create a fright.

Fairground rides for youngsters, with food and drink stands sited alongside all served to produce a half-term packet of fun.

Reflecting on the inaugural Halloween season at Bolesworth, Managing Director Nina Barbour said; “We were so excited to introduce new events and shows to our venue. The Bolesworth team and all the performers and organisers are delighted with the result of our Halloween sessions.

“We knew we had great products across the Maize Maze, Pumpkin Picking, Gandeys Circus and Fireworks but it’s impossible to predict the outcome until the final show is over. Thankfully, all elements worked brilliantly – including the weather. We welcomed over 5000 spectators to our first-ever fireworks night and feedback has indicated that we got most of it absolutely right. We can now move on, implement improvements and make it even better for next year.

“We’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone involved with making Halloween at Bolesworth so successful, especially the thousands of visitors who put their trust in us to deliver what we promised.”

Next up on the Bolesworth calendar is its dog-friendly Christmas Lights Trail with all-new illuminations, Santa’s Grotto, a large fairground, Xmas market, Champagne Island, Alpine Lodge, Santa’s Reindeer and a host of seasonal festivities.

For information and booking details on Bolesworth events, visit www.bolesworth.com

Gandeys Circus Comes to Bolesworth
Gandeys Spooky Circus at Bolesworth 1024 512 Daniel Shires

Gandeys Spooky Circus at Bolesworth

Gandeys Circus hits town this Friday, the 21st of October when a specially-created one-hour performance of its spooky Halloween show gets underway within the grounds of the Bolesworth Estate in Cheshire.

Gandeys is a popular family entertainment show and its striking Big Top a familiar sight in the North West. The adrenalin-packed Bolesworth creation is guaranteed to be full of surprises when a specially-selected international cast of skeletons, vampires, clowns, jack-o’-lanterns and the like, prepare to (trick or) treat, the audience.

Running alongside the Gandeys circus are a selection of small rides to keep the younger members of the family amused, while waiting for the circus doors to open.

Elsewhere at Bolesworth, during the autumn school half-term, is a low-cost haunting maize maze and free-to-enter pumpkin picking site, where visitors choose their stemmed pumpkins and only pay for the ones they pick.

The Halloween at Bolesworth season concludes with a sensational bang on Sunday the 30th of October when an array of bright and flamboyant fireworks are set to light up the Cheshire sky with a choreographed show set to music. A massive bonfire, fire pits, marshmallow toasting, toffee apples and other traditional bonfire-night fare are also on the agenda.

Halloween at Bolesworth runs at selected times from the 21st to the 30th of October with timed bookings available for the Maze and Circus. Bookings are not necessary for Pumpkin Picking.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.bolesworth.com/gandeys-circus

Nicole Lockhead Anderson at Bolesworth
Bolesworth Champs at FEI World Breeding Championships 1024 512 Daniel Shires

Bolesworth Champs at FEI World Breeding Championships

The FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championships for Young Horses, hosted by Domain Zangersheide, are underway at Lanaken in Belgium.

An highlight on the showjumping calendar, the 27th edition of the event will see the best five, six and seven-year-old young horses compete for prestigious world titles. It also showcases the connection between sport, breeding and trade to a worldwide audience.

The competition starts today, the 22nd of September, with first qualifying for the three young horse classes and culminates with the finals this Sunday the 27th of September.

Thirty-one British athletes are contesting the championships, with 48 horses between them. Several horses and riders took part in the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships back in August, with the winners of the 6yo and 7yo final classes, namely Nicole Lockhead Anderson on Chac Boys Centura Ps and Olivia Gent with Brownheath Bodacious, earning their passage to Lanaken directly from Bolesworth.

Lockhead Anderson has six horses out in Belgium and Gent has two, in addition to their 6yo and 7yo horses, they also have horses in the 5yo class. Other showjumpers who competed at Bolesworth, and are representing Great Britain at the FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championships, include – amongst many – Leo Lamb on 6yo Gmail, Louise Saywell with 7yo Pheline Van ‘T Hageland, Nicole Pavitt and 7yo Noble Lord, John Crippen on 6yo Bennys Kelly, and Christopher Smith with One Gem.

When Lockhead Anderson won the Windmill Farm Estate 6yo final at Bolesworth, she said, “I went as fast as I could. Tom (Williams) said just go for it but make sure you’re clear. Luckily it paid off. I’ve been with Chac Boys since April she is so careful; she jumps every fence the same she’s got a very bright future and keeps stepping up. I’m very excited for Lanaken as I’ve never been.”

Gent with her own British bred gelding Brownheath Bodacious in the Al Shira’aa 7yo final said, “It’s a fantastic feeling, the stuff dreams are made of. I just hoped I was fast enough. I’m very excited to be heading to Lanaken, especially with my own British bred horse. It will be a lot of pressure, but it will be a great experience.”

In addition to the British riders competing over in Belgium, Al Shira’aa, title partner of the Bolesworth Young Horse Championships, has two horses entered who qualified at the August event. Abdullah Mohd Al Marri will jump with Casallcina Z in the 5yo class and Lucardo O in the 6yo.

Bolesworth’s managing director Nina Barbour added, “We are delighted that our Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships played an instrumental role in helping so many top-class British and UAE riders and horses make the journey to this huge event at Lanaken. We’re following their progress and wish each and every one of them the very best of luck – we look forward to seeing the medals!”

More information is available at www.lanaken.zangersheide.com

Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championship Ends on a High Note 1024 512 Daniel Shires

Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championship Ends on a High Note

The 2022 edition of the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships delivered five phenomenal days of showjumping at its very best.

While the headline acts were the official British Showjumping Young Horse Championships, with qualifiers for the World Breeding Championships at Lanaken in September, the event culminated in an incredibly intense 2* Grand Prix, sponsored by Old Lodge Stud.

The final day hosted the Windmill Farm Estate 6yo and Al Shira’aa Farms 7yo Young Horse classes, which were won in tremendous style by Nicole Lockhead Anderson on Thomas Williams’ mare Chac Boys Centura Ps, and Olivia Gent on her own British bred gelding Brownheath Bodacious.

Then, saving the best ‘til last, Carmen Edwards on 10-year-old Happy Valerie, a mare owned jointly by his parents and Ian and Maddie Kellett, had a sensational last round in the Grand Prix to take the win ahead of Jack Whitaker by just half a second.

The Windmill Farm Estate 6yo final was the first big class of the day. Ninteen British-bred horses went through to the Jump-off, and Lockhead Anderson had three horses in the class, but it was Chac Boys Centura Ps who put her out front. “I went as fast as I could. Tom (Williams) said just go for it but make sure you’re clear. Luckily it paid off. I’ve been with Chac Boys since April she is so careful; she jumps every fence the same she’s got a very bright future and keeps stepping up. I’m very excited for Lanaken as I’ve never been.  Tom said we are going!”

The top British bred 6yo was Billy Mufsa, a mare from the Billy Stud ridden by Lottie Tutt.

Top four qualifiers:

1.Nicole Lockhead Anderson, GBR, Chac Boys Centura Ps (foreign)

2. Leo Lamb, GBR, Gmail (foreign)

3. John Crippen, GBR, Bennys Kelly (foreign)

4. Lottie Tutt, GBR, Billy Mufsa (British)

Olivia Gent with her own British bred gelding Brownheath Bodacious won the Al Shira’aa Farms 7yo final a stylish and strong performance. Just four British bred horses were through to the jump off and Gent was out front early in the round. “It’s a fantastic feeling, the stuff dreams are made of. I just hoped I was fast enough. I’m very excited to be heading to Lanaken, especially with my own British bred horse. It will be a lot of pressure, but it will be a great experience.

Top four qualifiers

1. Olivia Gent, GBR, Brownheath Bodacious (British)

2. Jake Saywell, GBR, Kabaya Lady (foreign)

3. Nicole Pavitt, GBR, Noble Lord (British)

4. Damien Charles, GBR, Presley OL (foreign)         

A jubilant Carmen Edwards with Happy Valerie took no prisoners as he edged Jack Whitaker on Scenletha and stormed out front in the final class of the day to be held in the Bolesworth International Arnea, namely, the Old Lodge Stud CSI2* Grand Prix.

Fifteen riders returned to the ring to ride against the clock. Four on four-faults, two on single time faults and nine on clears. Whitaker, on his dad’s mare, was the fourth of the clears to ride in the final round. He looked uber-smooth and, with a time of just 38.16 seconds, looked like a cert for the win. However, it was not to be as the partnership of Edwards and Happy Valerie was sensational. They made every line, every turn work and cleared the last fence with a Grand Prix-winning time of 37.47 sceonds. This was the first-ever 2* win for Edwards, from Dudleston Heath, and it clearly meant the world to him and his family.

“It’s the most marvellous feeling. I’m struggling for words. It’s what I’ve always wanted. The atmosphere was great. The arena’s great. The jumps were fantastic. It was just so extra special as we had family and friends here.

“We produce horses for a living so to be able to keep her, and now achieve something like this today, it means that all that hard work has paid off and I’ve accomplished something big. She’s a very sensitive mare and we just understand each other. I know what ticks and what works for her.

“I can’t thank my mum and dad enough and, finally, I’d love to say thank you to Nina Barbour, because it is a home show, and also all my sponsors and everything, but we couldn’t live our lives if it wasn’t for her. She does a marvellous job.”

Top three results:      

1. Carmen Edwards, GBR, Happy Valerie

2. Jack Whitaker, GBR, Scenletha

3. Yazmin Davis, GBR, Zanbowa Z

EVetDrug Ltd CSI2* 1.35m

1. Jessica Burke, IRL, Inpulss

2. Ali Hamad Al Kirbi, UAE, Dubai de Vie

3. Jude Burgess, GBR, Dreams of Don

Cheval Liberté UK CSI1* 1.05m

1. Sinead Cox, GBR, Valtaire

2. Elisha Simmons, GBR, Avalon du Carpont

3. Ciara Miller, GBR, Finishing Touch

Horseware CSI1* 1.15m

1. Arianna Kuligowski, GBR, Ivascalle

2. Abbie Bevan, GBR, Genius Contender

3. Holly Johnstone, GBR, Carquois du Ceve

Windmill Farm Estate 6 YO Consolation

1. Gemma Tattersall, GBR, Cinsey Blue PS

2. Christopher Burton, Aus, Chedington Azzurra

3. Angela Thompson, GBR, Billy Tropicana

Al Shira’aa Farms 7 YO Consolation

1. Phillip Spivey, GBR, NBE Jenny don’t be hasty

2. Yazmin Davis, GBR, Kate Natasja

3. Grace Shudall-Hughes, GBR, Firefly

For further information on all events at Bolesworth, visit www.bolesworth.com/events

Grease Movies at Bolesworth
Grease is the Word at Bolesworth 1024 512 Daniel Shires

Grease is the Word at Bolesworth

Bolesworth is hosting a special showing of the pop-culture phenomenon movie Grease next Friday, the 19th of August.

This open-air big-screen movie night is being brought to the world-class Cheshire venue thanks to popular demand, and to celebrate the life of star Dame Olivia Newton-John, who sadly passed away earlier this week.

The block-buster movie, which needs little by way of introduction, is one of the most successful musical romantic comedies of all time. It’s a timeless family-pleaser and has a cheerfully corny clean-cut approach. It follows the journey of wholesome exchange student Sandy Olsson meeting leather-clad ‘greaser’ Danny Zuko, before falling in love and ultimately donning black shiny spandex leggings an performing the classic ‘You’re the One That I Want’… The film also stars John Travolta, Stockard Channing, Eve Arden and Frankie Avalon.

To keep the good-feel party vibe flowing, a DJ will be playing the decks from 6pm, before and after the movie, right up until midnight on both Friday and Saturday nights.

Tickets, which are anticipated to sell out quickly, are priced at £16.50 per adult, £7.70 child (12 and under), with great-value food and drink packages available from just £19.50 per adult. 

Gates open at 6pm, allowing everyone to grab refreshments, take their places and get settled in the huge Bolesworth arena, prior to the start of the film at 7.30pm.

Other brilliant movies such as The Greatest Showroom, Encanto, Mama Mia!, Encanto and Bohemian Rapsody will be screened over the weekend.

Located just eight miles south of Chester off the A41, Bolesworth is renowned for hosting international equestrian as well as family events guaranteed to surprise, excite and thrill.

For further information and to book tickets, visit www.bolesworth.com/movies

Little Girl Holding Sunflowers
Bolesworth Announces Summer Events 1024 536 Daniel Shires

Bolesworth Announces Summer Events

Bolesworth estate is hosting a series of fun-packed events for all the family to enjoy over the summer holidays.

Set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, Bolesworth promises its most exciting summer to date, offering affordable days out and the perfect spot to enjoy quality time together, in a beautiful location which is just eight miles south of Chester off the main A41.

Outdoor Movies 19 – 21 August

It’s lights, camera, action as tickets went on sale this week for a long weekend of outdoor Movies at Bolesworth from 19 to 21 August. Guests are invited to sit moat-side and enjoy a day or night out full of drinks, snacks and the latest motion pictures, including The Greatest Showman, Encanto, Mamma Mia, Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman.

For those looking for an extra treat, there is a VIP dome in prime location to enjoy a film and the company of family and loved ones, all whilst soaking up the breath-taking scenery.

Summer Maze 20 August – 4 September

Bolesworth also holds its first Aladdin themed Maze and Sunflower Picking Patch from 20 August to 4 September, which is set to offer stunning photo opportunities and a fantastic experience. Whilst exploring and navigating the maze, there will also be an opportunity to pick one of the beautiful varieties of sunflowers growing on the estate to take home with you.

Stroll through the bee-friendly wildflower collection and get stuck into crafts, with the opportunity to make wish catchers and bubble wands.  There will be ice creams and refreshments on site, and there is also a picnic area in a picturesque spot to relax and have your lunch or a tasty treat after completing the maze.

Spectators go FREE to Horse Show at Bolesworth 10 – 14 August

In another Bolesworth first, the world-renowned Al Shira’aa Young Horse Show will be free to attend next month. Taking place from 10 – 14 August, the event will showcase the best of British Showjumping with both top names competing in International classes, and a selection of Britain’s best young horses qualifying for their place at the World Breeding Championships. Free tickets are now available to the public via registration with a car parking fee (£5.50 per car) 

The five-day show will take place against the stunning backdrop of Bolesworth Castle, with undercover seating to watch the action, equestrian and lifestyle shopping, as well as extensive food and drink options, fully licensed bars and family activities over the weekend.

The venue is also dog friendly, with a Have a Go Dog Agility course and a family dog show on both Saturday and Sunday, with professionals in attendance, too.

Nina Barbour, managing director at Bolesworth, said: “We understand that times are hard and we would like to take this opportunity to open our doors to our existing customers, and also welcome new faces to our beautiful venue. It’s certainly going to be a summer to remember.”

Last month, visitors flocked to the Dodson & Horrell International Horse Show at Bolesworth, which saw VIP appearances from former footballer turned racehorse breeder Michael Owen and retired jockey Sir AP McCoy for a thrilling Ride & Drive performance.

The estate is currently ramping up preparations for CarFest North which takes place 22 – 24 July. Those attending can expect a full-throttle festival weekend featuring performances from Steps, Richard Ashcroft, Melanie C and Sister Sledge as well as workshops, experiences and activities.

Bolesworth also has a series of treats in store during the autumn months with a spooktacular maze full of pumpkins to pick, whilst Gandeys Halloween Circus will also see a cast of 30 international artists thrill visitors with live entertainment.

Ending with a bang, Bolesworth will then be lighting up the Cheshire sky with bright and flamboyant fireworks on 30 October in a stunning display not to be missed.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.bolesworth.com/events or email Natalie Collins if you would like Corporate tickets

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