Liverpool International Horse Show 2020 Cancelled

2020’s end-of-year festivities will now change for many, following the announcement that the Liverpool International Horse Show, set to take place between 31st December – 3rd January, is amongst the latest equestrian events to be cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

As one of the most prestigious events in the equestrian calendar, the Liverpool International Horse Show never fails to impress, playing host to a wide programme of competitions and performances from world-class riders, as well as an extensive shopping village and an exciting schedule of unrivalled entertainment for the whole family. 

“We were fortunate enough to have been selected as the official surface supplier for last year’s show,” says Equestrian Surfaces Head of Sales, Alex Goldsack. “It was an honour to have been involved – it turned out to be very beneficial for us as a business, and we all had a great time. The whole team is really saddened by the news that this year’s show will no longer be going ahead.” 

According to the official statement released by event organisers last week, the Bolesworth Events team have been working closely with the M&S Bank Arena, the home of LIHS, to model a series of scenarios which would allow the indoor show to go ahead amidst the current challenging circumstances. 

“With the health and safety, as well as the welfare of the equestrian community at the heart of our decision making, we must act responsibly,” the statement summarised. “As a result, given the commercial implications and current Government guidance regarding social distancing and mass gatherings, it is clear an event of this scale poses far too great a risk to host in what has already been a challenging year.” 

Whilst the full-scale indoor event will not be going ahead, Bolesworth Events are currently working on putting together a show which could safely be carried out behind closed doors. 

Managing Director of Bolesworth Events, Nina Barbour, said: 

“In order to support our riders and partners, we are exploring the feasibility to develop a 2* International Show, which will strictly be behind closed doors in line with current Government guidelines, for competitors only, on the same dates as originally planned for the Liverpool Show (31st December 2020 – 3rd January 2021). 

“As with all our events this year, we are keen to support the UK equestrian industry back into competition at the top level and it feels only right we continue this work and support our elite riders as they prepare for Tokyo 2021. We aim to better understand the viability of running this event by the start of October, with further information released as soon as possible. 

“We wish everyone well in these uncertain times, and look forward to welcoming you all to a truly incredible show in 2021.” 

Visit the LIHS website to read Bolesworth Events’ full cancellation statement, and sign up to the newsletter to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements.