The Liverpool International Horse Show is returning to the city for another New Year extravaganza
After a successful inaugural event last year, the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show is set to make a thrilling return to Liverpool on New Year’s Eve, for what promises to be another three days of spectacular sporting action and family entertainment.
The equestrian extravaganza, taking place December 31 to January 2 2017, will see world class show jumping competitions involving great riders from around the globe, including several Olympians who competed in Rio this summer.
Held at the Echo Arena in the city’s famous Albert Dock, the stunning waterfront venue attracted huge crowds for the show’s debut and it’s sure to happen again this year as visitor’s watch show jumpers compete for a £160,000 prize fund.
The schedule will also be packed full of entertainment, including live music from internationally renowned acts such as Britain’s Got Talent series eight winners, Collabro, who will perform on New Year’s Eve, and the UK’s top Abba tribute band, Revival. As well as music, the arena will host thrilling displays from indoor fireworks and pyrotechnics, to stunt performers and carriage driving. Plus there will be the return of the much-loved Shetland Grand National, bringing the excitement of the races but in miniature.
If you fancy a break from the equestrian action, all tickets give access to the show’s shopping village from 9am each day, where you can browse a fantastic range of products from high-end equestrian outlets, exclusive fashion retailers and unusual gift and homeware.
There will be many food and drink outlets on-site, including an upstairs Champagne Bar and the new Mersey View restaurant, which is open all day and suitable for families.
World Stars Take Centre-Stage at The Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show
A dazzling array of showjumping stars - including an Olympic gold medallist, Ireland’s finest and five Whitakers - are set to shine at this year’s Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show.
Leading the way will be former world number one, London 2012 Great Britain team gold medallist and Rolex Grand Slam winner Scott Brash, who makes his Liverpool debut across three days of guaranteed world-class sporting action.
Britain’s leading female rider Laura Renwick will also be among the contenders, while the famous Whitaker family are out in force, spearheaded by multiple major championship performers Michael and John, who were part of the British team at this summer’s Rio Olympics, and Nations Cup regular Robert.
And there will also be a chance to see two of the rising Whitaker stars, with in-form Joe and Michael’s son Jack, winner of the individual gold medal at this year’s European Pony Championships, confirmed starters.
Irish riders enjoyed success at the inaugural Liverpool show 11 months ago, and they are again out in force, led by reigning Liverpool Grand Prix champion Billy Twomey. Joining him are Rio Olympics combination Greg Broderick and MHS Going Global, former world champion Dermott Lennon, Aachen Grand Prix winner Denis Lynch, plus the ever-popular Shane Breen and consistent Anthony Condon.
And there is certain to be plenty of Irish interest in the Equitop Myoplast puissance on New Year’s Eve, as the contenders will include defending champion Peter Smyth and Cavan puissance title holder Chris Megahey.
Leading the continental challenge will be Germany’s three-time World Cup finalist Philipp Weishaupt and two top Italian riders - Emanuele Gaudiano and Piergiorgio Bucci - who have already proved to be Liverpool audience favourites with their thrilling all-action styles that saw them feature on the first year roll of honour.
Show tickets start at £11.50, with family tickets and season tickets available. To book call 08448 000400, or purchase online: www.liverpoolhorseshow.com
