Bolesworth Festival offers 10 days of equestrian fun  

Head to Cheshire this summer for top showjumping and to see Ben Atkinson in action

Festival season is almost upon us – and it’s not always about music. The Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shir’aa, is taking place over 10 days from 6–16 June, promising some top-class showjumping and much more.

This prestigious CSI3* attracts leading international riders, both professional and amateur, competing for a share of the £250,000 prize fund up for grabs. In addition to the more usual showjumping classes, there will also be an evening puissance competition and an eventing grand prix, as well classes for young horses and ponies. Both weekends culminate in a grand prix on Sunday 9 and 16 June and there will be celebrity ride and drive classes on the Saturday evenings.

On 15 and 16 June, leading stunt rider Ben Atkinson will be giving a display of horsemanship and festival goers will also be able to meet him and his horses in a special meet-and-greet scheduled for 15 June. Numbers are limited but anyone with a general ticket can purchase an upgrade to take part in this. There will also be the chance to chat to equestrian social media stars This Esme and Meg Elphick, who will be talking about their lives and answering questions.

Of course, a festival wouldn’t be complete without some great shopping and there will be lifestyle, gift and fashion retailers on site, plus, of course, the usual stands offering everything for discerning equestrian shoppers! Other attractions include the Bolesworth Elite Auction, a funfair, pony rides, interactive zones for children and dogs, and even EV and hybrid driving experiences. Musical entertainment will be provided by a number of headline acts, starting with Rick Parfitt Jr and the RPJ Band on Friday 14 June.

This year, top feed company Dodson & Horrell is once again a key event partner to Bolesworth and speaking on the re-signing of the partnership, Sales and Marketing Director Sam Liptrott said: “The team at Dodson & Horrell are delighted to partner with Bolesworth for another year. It is a great event, in a fantastic location and is set to be an amazing line up of demonstrations and quality jumping. We would like to wish Event Director Nina Barbour, her team and all the competitors the best of luck at what is set to be a brilliant 10 days of sport.”

Earlybird tickets are currently on sale and will be available until 31 March at £5.60 per person, which is half the gate admission price. There are also overnight pitches that can be purchased for tents, caravans, motorhomes and horseboxes from Thursday 13 June until Sunday 16 June, and VIP hospitality that gives admission to the ringside decking and the Bolesworth Champagne enclosure.

For full details of all the action, the complete schedule and ticket options, visit bolesworth.com