International

GIANTS from the world of showjumping and horse racing will appear at this year’s unmissable Bolesworth International.

With just days to go until the much-anticipated five-day spectacular – held at the 400,000 sq metre Bolesworth Castle estate, near Chester and Wrexham – a host of star names have been unveiled.

Legendary jockey Sir AP McCoy will front a sold-out business networking session next Friday alongside former England and Real Madrid striker Michael Owen, while showjumping Olympians Geoff Billington, Nicola Wilson, Gemma Stevens and defending Bolesworth Grand Prix winner Louise Saywell are to compete in high-class equestrian competitions.

Other well-known names from the equine arena include Joe Stockdale, Sienna Charles, Anthony Condon, Guy Williams and Angelie Von Essen, and inspirational 14-time Paralympic gold medallist Sir Lee Pearson CBE is to present the prizes for the Trooping the Colour Charity Park Ride in aid of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) on Thursday.

That same day – and fresh from winning promotion back to the English Football League with the support of Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham AFC chief executive Fleur Robinson will join TV presenter, journalist and author Louise Minchin and Ernst and Young tax strategist Victoria Price for the Women in Business Day.

Bolesworth’s Managing Director Nina Barbour said the packed lifestyle and equestrian programme has something for everyone, as they aim to achieve 250,000 annual visitors ahead of the Castle’s 200^th anniversary in 2028.

“From Wednesday to Sunday we have so much happening, especially on Friday onwards when we have more than 100 shops and attractions available,” said Nina.

“Whether it’s a relaxing day with the family, action and adventure, live entertainment, the equestrian competitions, or the opportunity to network, we have it all.

“And from the showjumping perspective some of the biggest names on the international circuit will be here, to compete and attend other events, so there is the opportunity to get up close and meet some of your favourite stars.

“Tickets are selling fast so we urge people to get in touch soon – whether it’s for one day or the whole event, we look forward to seeing you next week!”

The event also features live music, with DJs Trevor Nelson and Phoebe d’Abo, renowned soul outfit The Brand New Heavies, and Rick Parfitt Jr and the RPJ Band set to take the stage on Friday and Saturday night.

Elsewhere, there will be barbecue masterclasses, an extensive shopping village, an epic kids’ zone with funfair, inflatables, land and water zorbs, a wildlife zone, beekeeping, falconry, pony rides, stunt horses, an A-list auction and much more, with camping pitches still available for anyone wanting to stay for longer.

And a new EV and Hybrid Driving Experience Zone presented by Instavolt will see nine global automotive brands on show and for visitors to test drive on and off site.

Dogs are welcome, with family dog shows, training and have-a-go agility sessions, retail outlets and lots of canine activities over the course of the weekend.

“The response we’ve had so far has been absolutely fantastic,” added Nina.

“We have gone bigger and better than ever as we know that – after what has been a challenging time – people want to have fun, enjoy themselves and experience something a little different, something that will bring a smile to their face.

“This year’s Bolesworth International will guarantee that, we just can’t wait to get started.”

Bolesworth International runs from Wednesday June 14 to Sunday June 18. For the latest news and information and to book tickets, visit the website www.bolesworth.com/international or call 01829 782210.

For VIP packages, e mail melanie@bolesworth.com.

There are countless reasons why Bolesworth captures the hearts of its visitors, but one aspect that sets it apart from other venues is its unwavering commitment to being a dog-friendly events venue. With three adorable office dogs who have melted the hearts of even the most steadfast cat lovers (shoutout to Alfie, Flops, and Poppy!) Bolesworth has become synonymous with creating an inclusive environment where humans and their fur babies can enjoy unforgettable experiences.

Friends Fur-ever

As the age-old saying goes, dogs truly are a man’s best friend. For many people, dogs are not just pets; they are cherished members of their families, offering unconditional love, companionship, and loyalty. We know the heart-breaking puppy eyes all too well, so instead of making you leave your pooch at home, we welcome dogs to join their pawrents to many of our events!

A Haven for Dog Lovers

It’s our pawlicy to create an inclusive environment that caters to the needs of all visitors, including those with canine companions. By embracing a dog-friendly approach, our venue ensures that no one is left behind and everyone can fully enjoy our amazing events at Bolesworth.

Unleashing the Fun

When organising events catering to dog owners, Bolesworth goes above and beyond to create a memorable experience for humans and their four-legged friends. From exciting horse shows and balloon fiestas to relaxed picnics and outdoor concerts, our venue offers diverse activities that allow dogs to socialise, play, and explore in a safe and welcoming environment.

Adventurous Escapes

Bolesworth’s dog-friendly approach extends beyond the events it hosts. The stunning estate, encompassing picturesque gardens, sprawling grounds, and scenic walking trails, offers an ideal backdrop for dog owners seeking outdoor adventures. Whether you and your furry companion enjoy long hikes through nature or prefer a leisurely stroll amidst breathtaking landscapes, Bolesworth provides the perfect setting for unforgettable moments of exploration!

Pampered Pooches

We know some of you have spoilt pups (we do, too), so we understand that happy dogs make for happy owners. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for furry guests, we offer a range of amenities at all our events. From water stations and shaded areas to designated dog-friendly sections, Bolesworth takes pride in providing all the necessary facilities to accommodate its four-legged visitors.

Pawrental Supervision

To maintain a harmonious environment for all guests, we kindly request that dog owners adhere to a few guidelines to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone. Responsible dog ownership, including proper leash control, waste disposal, and respecting the boundaries of other visitors, ensures that both human and canine guests can relish their time at the venue without any inconveniences. If you find yourself in a pinch and need a poo bag, please find one of our staff who always carries a spare!

Pressing Paws

If you want to make a weekend of it (or you don’t fancy camping), we have a host of dog-friendly hotels and B&Bs in the area you can stay at.

Just 10 minutes down the road, you’ll find The Pheasant Inn, a quintessentially English country pub nestled in the gloriously unspoilt Peckforton Hills — a country hotel with 12 boutique-style Cheshire hotel rooms and an AA Rosette-awarded restaurant.

Fifteen minutes away, in the nearby village of Malpas, is The Lion – recent renovations have transformed the experience of staying in the Cheshire countryside. Sixteen fabulous new rooms have been created using beautiful fabrics, reclaimed timbers and the finest furnishings.

Twenty minutes from us, The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa – an award-winning hotel just outside the historic city of Chester – offers beautiful modern bedrooms, opulent spa and leisure facilities, and two refined restaurants.

You’d be barking mad to stay anywhere else!

Bolesworth is a shining example of a dog-friendly events venue in Cheshire and the Northwest. By offering a wide range of dog-friendly activites, providing necessary amenities, and prioritising the safety and well-being of all guests, we have created an inclusive haven for all the family to have fun. So, if you’re a dog owner seeking a unique and welcoming venue, look no further than Bolesworth for a truly memorable experience where your furry friend is more than just welcome—they are an integral part of the adventure!

One of the North West’s premier event venues is powering up for a summer spectacular as the all-new Bolesworth International welcomes some of the world’s leading car brands.

Bolesworth Castle has lined up yet another ‘first of its kind’ for this year’s summer spectacular, which takes place from June 14-18.

The Castle, based in Tattenhall near Chester and Wrexham, is world-renowned for hosting equestrian competitions but it’s a different type of horsepower that will appeal to motoring enthusiasts and those interested in driving with sustainability in mind.

An impressive range of hi-tech electric and hybrid vehicles will feature in this year’s Driving Experience Zone, where visitors can take to the wheel of a car or e-bike manufactured by global automotive giants.

In partnership with Williams Group, Lookers Chester, Mitchell Group, Eskuta and Root EV, Matt Bates, Bolesworth’s Managing Director of Events, said test drives and rides will be on a first-come, first-served basis – all you need is your driving licence.

“We’re so excited to be giving thousands of people the chance to get up close to and experience an EV, hybrid, or e-bike at the Bolesworth International next month,” he said.

“Together with our amazing partners, visitors can experience a huge selection of cutting-edge vehicles from a host of major brands including BMW and Land Rover from Williams Group, Kia, Nissan and Renault from Lookers Chester, Lexus, Mazda and Skoda from Mitchell Group, as well as e-bikes from Eskuta and Root EV.

“There’s no doubt EV and hybrid cars are the future of mobility and as a sustainability conscious organisation we’re keen to do all we can to support their adoption for the good of our region and beyond.”

Matt added: “Incidentally if you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day on June 18, why not give the dad in your life a celebration to remember by letting him loose on a host of amazing cars and bikes? Add in FMX and BMX displays, radio-controlled cars, barbecue demos and much more – I know where I’ll be heading!”

The five-day Bolesworth International festival has something for all the family, as organisers aim to achieve 250,000 annual visitors ahead of the Castle’s 200th anniversary in 2028.

Following significant investment, they have packed the 400,000 square metre-site with everything from world class equestrian sport, entertainment, and action sports to create the biggest and best attraction of its kind, in Cheshire, North Wales and beyond.

DJs Trevor Nelson and Phoebe d’Abo, renowned soul outfit The Brand New Heavies, and Rick Parfitt Jr and the RPJ Band are among the stars set to appear. There will be celebrity guests, barbecue and cocktail masterclasses, an extensive shopping village, a huge kids’ zone with funfair, inflatables, land and water zorbs, a wildlife zone, pony rides and much more, including camping.

The Driving Experience Zone will be open from Friday June 16 to Sunday June 18. For tickets and further information, visit www.bolesworth.com/international.

For the latest news and information and to book tickets for Bolesworth International, visit the website www.bolesworth.com or call 01829 782210. Alternatively, email info@bolesworth.com and follow them on social media at @bolesworth.

BOLESWORTH Castle has lined up a series of major events to give the region a post-pandemic boost and achieve its target of 250,000 visitors ahead of a landmark anniversary.

Taking place from June 14-18, the always popular Bolesworth International has a brand-new look for 2023.

Following significant investment, organisers have packed the 400,000 square metre-site with everything from world class equestrian competitions, entertainment, action sports, shopping and more to create the biggest and best attraction of its kind, in Cheshire and beyond.

DJs Trevor Nelson and Phoebe d’Abo, pop outfit the Brand New Heavies, and Rick Parfitt Jr and the RPJ Band are among the stars set to appear, and there will a wide range of activities and attractions for people of all ages to enjoy.

Bolesworth’s Managing Director Nina Barbour and its 40-strong team have big plans having ridden the challenges of the pandemic and emerged with a clear vision for the future.

“While the Bolesworth International is by tradition a horse show and its place in the International equestrian calendar is so important to us, we felt this was the year to rip up the rule book and recreate the event to really take it to the next level,” said Nina.

“Cheshire and North Wales is seeing significant attention and interest, investment and development in recent times, and we want to play our part by creating a major event that becomes a must-visit for people in the area, whether they love horses or just want a great day out with family and friends.

“From Friday to Sunday there will be so many things going on from live music and celebrity guests to barbecue and cocktail masterclasses, an extensive shopping village, a huge kids’ zone with funfair, inflatables, land and water zorbs, a wildlife zone, pony rides and so much more.

“There will also be plenty for the dads to enjoy as our final programme takes place on Father’s Day, with freestyle motocross, radio-controlled cars and boats, electric bike and driving experiences, and the opportunity to camp on-site.”

She added: “We had to scale Bolesworth International down in recent times because of Covid-19 but it’s back and bigger than ever, with the opportunity to camp on-site and bring the whole family – and that’s dogs included.   

“Tickets are available – camping pitches are selling fast, and the business networking hospitality session with Michael Owen and Sir AP McCoy on the Friday has already sold out – so we encourage visitors to book now so they don’t miss out.”

With more than 1,000 people from Cheshire, North Wales and beyond employed by dozens of businesses across the 6,000-acre Bolesworth Estate, the venue has had a major impact on the economy for generations.

And as they begin preparations for the 200^th anniversary of Bolesworth Castle in 2028, Nina is aiming to reach a quarter of a million visitors and contribute even more to their community.

“Bolesworth is so much more than a venue for events, we do a lot of work with local and national charities, are home to a variety of businesses across a wide range of sectors and have been used as a location for film and TV on many occasions,” she said.

“It’s a huge operation which continues to grow, and we are very proud of that.”

Nina added: “As we move towards the Castle’s bicentenary, we will look to build on what is already a high-quality series of events that will appeal to people from all over the country and beyond.”

Among the highlights this year are a Spring Garden Walk, Cheshire Balloon Fiesta, and the popular Christmas at Bolesworth extravaganza, which this winter will feature an ice-skating rink, Santa’s Grotto, and spectacular lights trail.

To celebrate the continuing expansion of the all-new Bolesworth International, June the 14^th to 18^th, the team behind the event has pulled together an exciting competition which will provide a pair of weekend tickets to the must-do Equestrian and Lifestyle festival for one lucky winner, together with a place with their own horse, on an exclusive clinic with Geoff Billington at Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire, on Tuesday the 11^th of April 2023.

Legendary British showjumper Geoff Billington is a double Olympian and Hickstead Derby winner. He’s running the clinic with other top showjumpers as part of their preparation for the upcoming Bolesworth International. Geoff will be competing at Bolesworth, and also co-hosting a Masterclass with fellow Olympian Nicola Wilson on Wednesday 14^th June.

The Bolesworth International will showcase world-class CSI 3* International showjumping along with classes for amateur levels as well as 5, 6 and 7-year-old Young Horses, but there’ll also be favourites such as Puissance, Fancy Dress, Mini Major and Ride & Drive.

New-for-2023 are an Eventing Grand Prix and Masterclass, a ‘Trooping the Colour’ Charity Park Ride, open to all levels of riders, in aid of the Riding for the Disabled Association and the amazing spectacle of Ben Atkinson and his incredible stunt horses.

From Friday, the lifestyle aspect of the event opens with a huge shopping village selling equestrian and premium brands, celebrity food and drink experiences, live music, children’s activities, action sports, family fun, have-a-go zones, and weekend camping!

The winner of the Bolesworth Facebook competition will be offered a bespoke training session with Geoff, which can be tailored to the rider’s jumping level, whether that’s 50cm or 1.25m. The prize includes, amongst many others, a haul of goodies from Bolesworth International brand partners such as a bag of feed worth £100 from Dodson Horrell, a media package from Events Through a Lens, and a set of Le Mieux Tendon boots, hood and saddle pad. A complimentary lunch for the winner and up to two guests is also part of the money-can’t-buy package, as is the opportunity to meet influencers and high-profile riders, who will contest the Bolesworth International in June, such as last year’s Grand Prix winner Louise Saywell, Richard Howley, Harlow Luna White (and Popcorn), Georgia Kavulok, Meg Elphick, Kate Lewis, Yaz Pinchen and Saskia Davies.

To enter: the competition go to our Facebook Page, like and comment on the competition post, with a picture of your horse and why you really want to win (one entry per person).

The closing date is 12 noon on Monday the 3rd of April and the winner will be announced the following day on the 4th (terms and conditions apply).

For more information on the 2023 Bolesworth International and to check out ticket options, visit www.bolesworth.com/international