Tag Archives: events

News

Balloon spectacular and live acts added to epic line-up at summer festival

BOLESWORTH CASTLE is reaching for the skies with a new attraction to be launched this summer.

Spectacular hot air balloon flights and displays will form part of the epic and much-anticipated Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, which runs from June 6-16.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Cheshire Balloon Fiesta – which took place at the 6,000-acre Tattenhall estate, near Chester and Wrexham, in 2023 – Bolesworth has added the adrenaline-fuelled activity to its line-up on the weekend of June 14-16.

The action-packed programme will include more than 20 balloon launches, iconic tethered balloons, ‘Meet the Pilot’ and ‘Basket and Burners’ sessions and spectacular night glow demonstrations that will light up the evening sky.

Balloon Launches and Night Glows will be taking place on the evenings of Friday and Saturday (June 14-15) with great views from the Live Music Stage. Campers that rise early may also catch the morning flights on Saturday and Sunday (June 15-16).

As Managing Director Nina Barbour and the team put the final touches to this year’s lifestyle and equestrian festival – presented by the globally renowned Al Shira’aa stables – tickets are already selling fast ahead of what looks like being their biggest and best event yet.

“We are absolutely delighted to have secured the hot air balloons for the final weekend of this summer’s Bolesworth International,” said Nina.

“They are always very popular with the crowds here so introducing them to what’s already a stellar series of activities and attractions will go down – or up! – very well with visitors.

“We will actually have more hot air balloons and displays than ever before so it’s going to be a special addition to this year’s celebrations.”

And the highs don’t stop there; the line-up will also feature some of the top names in international showjumping, special VIP and celebrity guests, family entertainment, dog-friendly activities, ringside hospitality and more.

Among the star music guests performing live on Friday and Saturday (June 14-15) will be electronic duo Phats and Small, and there will be appearances by Rick Parfitt Jr and the RPJ Band, and the Ultimate Party Mixtape Set with 80s party outfit, Coyote. More acts will be announced in the near future.

There is also the opportunity to pitch up and stay a little longer by camping on-site, with availability from June 13-16.

Among other highlights will be the return of Ben Atkinson and his stunt horses, the Hybrid/EV driving zone, freestyle motocross displays, shopping village, the Champagne Enclosure, a new land and rural business day, Women in Business and Ladies Day, Bolesworth Elite Auction and much more.

“Every year we push the boundaries in uniting the world of equestrianism with entertainment, live music and adrenaline-fuelled activities,” said Nina.

“This year is no exception, in fact it’s the best yet! So be sure to book your tickets soon – don’t miss out.”

Bolesworth has Spring saver prices, with up to 50% off until May 31.

To book your tickets and for the latest news and information about events at Bolesworth, call 01829 782210 or visit www.bolesworth.com/international.

Alternatively, email info@bolesworth.com and follow them on social media at @bolesworth.

For more information about partnerships, trade stands, and hospitality, contact melanie@bolesworth.com

Art, Education, Events, Retail

The Red Dragon Centre celebrates Eid with vibrant community project

The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay’s bustling entertainment venue, is celebrating Eid with an art project in collaboration with Nathan Wyburn and Mount Stuart Primary School.

Pupils from Mount Stuart Primary School were welcomed to create a drawing of what Eid means to them, the drawings were then put into a breathtaking mural by Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn and has been displayed in the heart of The Red Dragon Centre for visitors to enjoy.

Nathan specialises in creating pieces out of non-traditional mediums and was a finalist on Britain’s Got Talent in 2011, creating a portrait of judge Michael McIntyre out of Marmite on toast.

Accompanying the banner will be a balloon display to frame the mural and create a perfect picture opportunity.

Venues located in The Red Dragon Centre are also joining in with the celebrations. The ODEON, Wales’ only IMAX cinema, is showing specialised screenings on 9 and 10 April, and halal restaurants Spice Route and Zaika, and the café EasyThali, will be joining in with delicious Eid buffets available.

Emma Constantinou, Marketing Manager at The Red Dragon Centre, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating such a wonderful time of year here at The Red Dragon Centre. It has been a joy to see local primary school pupils get involved, and the mural really shows how special this holiday is.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to the pupils at Mount Stuart Primary and Nathan Wyburn and for all their support in bringing this holiday to life.”

The Red Dragon Centre is home to a multitude of interactive, lifestyle and food and drink venues including Odeon Cinema, the home of Wales’ only IMAX screen, and the Hollywood Bowl which have been key Centre attractions since the beginning.

The Centre hosts a range of additional brands that make up an intrinsic part of the entertainment and dining experience, including Grosvenor Casino, Five Guys, Spice Route, Volcano, EasyThali and Zaika.

The Centre is also the site of the Capital FM South Wales studio, which was formerly Red Dragon FM, as well as Heart FM. Today, you’ll find the likes of Josh and Jess broadcasting their Capital Drive Show live from there every weekday.

Creative & Marketing, Creative News, News

Fluid Ideas creates drive-in Derby studio to rival Manchester and London facilities

Creative agency Fluid Ideas has unveiled the latest phase of its expansion – a drive-in studio for filming, photography, recording and events.

The studio, called Flux, features an infinity cove, a fully-functional kitchen set and an audio booth for recording voiceovers and podcasts.

Fluid has invested a six-figure sum to transform a 1,300sq ft building next to its headquarters in a former cotton mill at Darley Abbey Mills, a World Heritage Site on the outskirts of Derby.

Jamie Hovell, an associate partner at Fluid, said the new multipurpose facility – in the old Engine House – gives the Midlands a genuine alternative to Manchester and London for filming, photoshoots and recordings.

“The combination of the drive-in feature, the infinity cove with overhead lighting rig and the kitchen set means we have a distinctive and really versatile space which our team will utilise for client projects,” he said.

“In just 10 weeks, we’ve transformed a vacant and unloved industrial building to create a real point of difference for Fluid and the region, and one which we are confident will appeal to our clients and the wider creative community.

“It’s a spacious open studio with plenty of space for lighting and cameras. The infinity cove is brightly lit and curves into the floor, so there are no corners or shadows. It can easily be repainted according to the colour needs of each client.

“We’d been scoping out places to create a facility of this kind for some time, and visited a number of potential sites before the Engine House became available. It’s the perfect location, and seeing the new space we had envisioned for so long transformed from a blank canvas and spring into life over the weeks has been a real joy.”

Jamie added: “We see Flux becoming a hub in the Midlands. Until now, people have had to travel to Manchester or London for such a facility.

“Now there is somewhere closer to home which businesses, art directors, marketing teams and other agencies can hire for their own projects. It can also be used for off-site meetings, product launches, get-togethers and workshops.”

Joint managing director Phil Harvey and Jamie led the renovation project for Fluid. Associate partner Carrie Gregory led on the branding and interior design. The trio were supported by a wider team including Dan Chadwick, Bec Utley and Liv Beighton to bring the proposition to life.

The drive-in capability of the new studio is aimed at Fluid’s roster of automotive clients, while the high-end kitchen is envisaged for a variety of uses, including food styling and household product photos and videos, recipe guides, and for meetings and events.

Fluid is an award-winning, full-service agency which celebrated its 20th anniversary in November 2023. It has a team of nearly 60 creatives, strategists, developers, designers, artworkers, CGI artists, photographers, copywriters, social media specialists, motion-designers and digital marketeers.

It serves a global client base across sectors including automotive, manufacturing and distribution, education and training, property and developments, health and wellbeing, retirement living, leisure and hospitality, food and drink.

Dan, a partner and art director at Fluid, said: “I think I can comfortably speak for all of us in saying how immensely excited we are about the new opportunities this studio will bring.

“Having a facility of this kind in-house has been a longstanding ambition for Fluid. It looks fantastic and, as well as serving as a catalyst for our own creative aspirations, we envision this space as a dynamic hub for our clients and the wider creative community.

“It’s not just about elevating our offering; it’s about providing a versatile canvas for clients – new and existing – to bring their visions to life, fostering connections and nurturing talent. The prospects and potential are huge.”

Events, Investment, South Wales

£15 billion of investment opportunities in Cardiff Capital Region showcased at largest property exhibition in the world

INVESTMENT opportunities in Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) worth £15 billion are being showcased at MIPIM – the largest property exhibition in the world.

 

A team from CCR and its ten councils are promoting South East Wales and its investment opportunities at the event in Cannes, France from March 12 to 14.

 

Considered one of the leading global real estate events, ‘Marche International des Professionals d’Immobilier’ (MIPIM) attracts more than 26,000 participants each year, including 5,000 investors, 4,800 developers, and 500 journalists.

 

It has become a prominent event in the property and asset investment world, with representatives coming together for networking, learning, and showcasing the skills and potential of their regions.

 

A number of UK regions and major cities also attend the event at MIPIM, so competition for attracting and securing investment is high.

 

The CCR team is holding a series of events across the week, highlighting its investment opportunities, commitment to sustainable development, and its communities.

 

The £15bn worth of investment opportunities include:

  • Aberthaw Power Station eco-park
  • Bridgend town centre
  • The Northern Gateway initiative
  • Blaenau Gwent Tech Valleys project
  • Cardiff Parkway
  • Caerphilly Hotel and Leisure Park
  • St Modwen Park, Newport

 

 

Further details of the opportunities can be found here:

https://www.ccrmipim.wales/investment-opportunities/

 

Among the team attending MIPIM this week and welcoming guests to the CCR exhibition stand is CCR Ambassador Dan Biggar, former Wales and British Lions rugby player, and now playing for Toulon in the south of France.

 

Kellie Beirne, Chief Executive Officer of CCR, said: “We need to sell our region’s competitive strengths on a global stage, and seek out the investors, backers and markets that like our offer.

 

“With its strategic location, thriving economy, and ambitious development projects, CCR offers investors a compelling opportunity to be part of its growth story.”

 

Kellie said Cardiff Capital Region had demonstrated economic resilience in recent times, with sustained growth across key sectors such as finance, technology and life sciences.

 

Attendees at MIPIM from CCR include local authority leaders Councillor Anthony Hunt (Torfaen County Borough Council), Cllr Geraint Thomas (Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council), and Cllr John Morgan, (Cabinet Member for places and regeneration, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council).

 

Councillor Anthony Hunt, leader of CCR Cabinet which comprises the leaders of the 10 local authority partners of CCR, said: “This week presents a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase Cardiff Capital Region to a global audience at a renowned industry event.

 

“We look forward to being ambassadors for the Region and we will be working hard to ensure that our attendance will bring tangible benefits for all.

 

“With our universities, research institutions, and tech start-ups, CCR is proving a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.

 

“Our developing technology sector, in particular, is attracting attention from investors seeking opportunities in areas such as digital innovation, cybersecurity, and renewable energy.”

Creative & Marketing, Creative News, News

Stafford agency sponsors the National Manufacturing Summit

Technical PR agency Stone Junction is sponsoring the 2024 National Manufacturing Summit (NMS), taking place at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) on March 14. The convention of British manufacturers, advanced engineering companies and broader government, funding and academic stakeholders will be the first public, in-person debut of Stone Junction’s new branding. NMS is a hybrid event, run simultaneously in person and online by MTC Events, and is free to attend. More information and tickets can be found here.

 NMS returns after a successful 2023 event, which attracted in-person representatives from 265 companies and nearly 6,000 online participants. The 2024 conference promises to be even bigger, with keynote speeches on The Exponential Age from Arash Ghazanfari, CTO of Dell Technologies and Reimagining Human Flight from Richard Browning, founder and chief test pilot of Gravity Industries.

Elyn Corfield, CEO for business and commercial banking at Lloyds Banking Group, will give a keynote address on the skills gap and workforce challenges facing British manufacturing and engineering in both the short- and long-term future.

“The manufacturing industry has been facing some difficult challenges in light of the skills shortage, rising prices and supply chain difficulties,” explained Leah Elston-Thompson, account director at Stone Junction. “But there are also huge opportunities. NMS is a great event, attracting incredible speakers and an engaged pool of delegates, to discuss the latest developments and how we can collectively drive British manufacturing forward.”

Stone Junction is a specialist STEM agency, with more than 50 clients from the science, tech, engineering and manufacturing industries. The company provides consultancy and brand strategy, creative PR and marketing, branding, design, and content services, and will be available to discuss how it can support delegates at the event.

To find out how Stone Junction could help your manufacturing or engineering business to communicate with your target customer base, read about our technical PR capabilities here: https://www.wechangeminds.com/sector/technical-pr/.

Events, FInance, HR, Pensions, Wales

Seminar sets out pensions landscape for 2024

Finance, HR and pension professionals came together on leap day (29 February) to hear exclusive industry insights at Quantum Advisory’s latest breakfast seminar at the Celtic Manor Twenty Ten Clubhouse.

Speakers including Dan Redwood, Chris Heirene and Leah Summers from Quantum Advisory, the leading independent financial services consultancy, discussed investment, the progress of the Pensions Dashboard and upcoming changes in the world of pensions and employee benefits.

Dan Redwood, senior investment consultant and actuary, opened the event with an overview of how investment markets, gilt yields, and UK and global economies have been performing. With a technical recession in the UK in Q4 and economic stagnation since 2022, Dan revealed the impact of high inflation and the Bank of England’s base rate on defined benefit pension schemes.

Dan said: “The era of ultra-low interest rates is over. This has a significant impact on gilt yields, which have experienced volatility in recent quarters, and pension schemes; both of which require stability.

“Inflation is falling and interest rate cuts are expected this year, although not to previous ultra-low levels, so the environment is improving from a macroeconomic perspective and a soft landing is likely. However, there are a number of external factors that could still throw us off course such as geopolitical tensions around the world and disruption to supply chains.”

Chris Heirene, partner and head of technology, updated attendees on the progress of the long awaited Pensions Dashboard.

The Pensions Dashboard, delivered as a website and app, will allow individuals to check their pensions information online in one place. It aims to help savers understand their current financial standing and support better planning for retirement. Originally the dashboard availability point, the moment at which dashboards will be publicly accessible, was planned for April 2024 but has since been delayed.

Chris said: “With a revised timeline now in place, we will all be waiting a little longer for the Pensions Dashboard. While we don’t have a specific date for the dashboard availability point just yet, we anticipate this to be between May 2025 and July 2026. What we do know is that the Pensions Dashboard will be up and running by October 2026 as this has been legislated.”

Leah Summers, consultant, concluded the breakfast seminar by highlighting a number of key upcoming changes including the General Code of Practice, the abolition of the Lifetime Allowance and the allowances replacing it, and assumption changes in defined contribution pension scheme benefit statements.

Leah said: “These three changes are coming into effect very soon. The measures are being introduced to simplify the code, tax allowances and statements for trustees, schemes and members respectively.”

Stuart Price, partner and actuary at the firm, said: “It was brilliant to see so many delegates, including new and familiar faces, spend the extra day in February with us at our pensions and investment breakfast seminar. A diverse range of subjects were covered throughout the morning, providing delegates with a thorough understanding of the current pensions and economic landscape and the changes coming down the track.”

For further information and to keep up to date with Quantum’s latest events, visit https://quantumadvisory.co.uk/.

News

Hospitality leaders Les Roches commit to specialised education in sports management and events

Les Roches, one of the world’s leading hospitality management institutions, is launching a new specialised program in sports tourism, the Master’s in Sports Management and Events, starting in September 2024.

The global sports tourism industry was valued at $323,420 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $1,803,704 billion by 2030, according to the international consultancy Allied Market Research, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.1% over the next six years.

This year alone sees two of the world’s most spectacular sporting events, the UEFA European Foootball Championship in Germany, and the Olympics Games in Paris, which will make them among the most sought-after destinations this summer.

In response to this growing demand, Les Roches has announced the Master’s in Sports Management and Events.

Spanning 12 months, students will delve into the global sports and events industry, gaining essential skills for administrative and managerial roles. This includes analysing the industry’s economic aspects on an international scale and planning and executing events.

As part of the program, students will embark on business field trips to Abu Dhabi, a premier destination renowned for hosting prestigious events like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and NBA Games. Additionally, they will visit Switzerland, home to major European sports organisations.

These trips offer invaluable opportunities for students to immerse themselves in real-world settings, network with industry leaders, and gain practical insights into sports management practices on a global scale.

The international sports and events industry offers exceptional professional opportunities, as various destinations, regions and even countries utilise sports to diversify their economies while reinforcing their tourism and hospitality sectors. However, the sports-driven tourism industry is not solely focused on entertainment. The profile of vacationers has also shifted towards a healthier lifestyle. As a result, there has been an increased demand trend for hotel accommodation with attractive sports offers.

Carlos Díez de la Lastra, Les Roches Global CEO, said: “Faced with a changing global demand, tourism companies must prepare for a decade filled with new expectations from travellers. Sports tourism is one of them. Over the past years, it has shown very positive growth figures, and we are confident it will continue this trend. Sports is a universal language known to all, which is why companies need to anticipate future trends, aiming to offer their customers excellent service and exquisite experiences. The implementation of this Master’s program represents a firm commitment to education in a field that gains more aspirants each year and requires highly-qualified and specialised personnel.”

 

Currently, Les Roches boasts a global network of over 16,000 alumni holding managerial positions in more than 140 countries worldwide. Of these, 67% secured their first job through school contacts, and 33% successfully launched their own ventures. Upon graduation, students receive an average of five offers from top hospitality, luxury tourism and related services companies and graduates typically triple their pre-degree salary within 12 years.

 

With a 70-year history, Les Roches is at the forefront of innovation in the hospitality sector. Its students gain access each semester to job and internships placements at over 200 leading companies in the hotel, luxury tourism and related industries, such as Louis Vuitton, Accor Hotels, IHG, The Ritz-Carlton, Soho House & Co, Mandarin Oriental, Marriott International, Silversea, Qatar Airways and Hublot, among others.

 

In addition, numerous Les Roches alumni already hold successful positions and have made significant contributions in sports management and events in some of the biggest sports brands and businesses such as Formula 1, FIFA, Nike, Netflix and the Olympic Committee.

News

Glitz and Giving: Cheltenham’s Elegant Ball Dazzles Raising £11,000 for Charity

The Grand Coronation Ball Committee has raised £11,000 after hosting a highly prestigious ball at the Queens Hotel on 3rd February, attended by over 120 of Cheltenham and Gloucestershire’s most esteemed business leaders and their partners.

Proceeds from the Grand Coronation Ball will be split between Linc Charity, a Cheltenham charity dedicated to supporting blood cancer patients and their families across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and South Worcestershire, and FISHAC (Friends of Imperial Square, Heritage and Conservation).

The funds will help Linc Charity continue its critical work in providing emotional and financial support for people receiving intensive chemotherapy. FISHAC will use the donation to help with plans to reinstate new railings and entrances around Imperial Square Gardens, Cheltenham, after they were removed 83 years ago to create armaments as part of the war effort at that time.

Louise Neal, CEO of Linc Charity, said: “We would like to thank the Grand Coronation Ball Committee, including the Trustees of FISHAC, Linc Charity, Frank Smith & Co Solicitors, HeadOn PR and The Queens Hotel, who all worked tirelessly for free to make the ball such a success. Linc Charity commemorates 25 Years this year of support for local blood cancer patients and their families so what better way to celebrate than to be involved in such a wonderful, generous and glamorous event.”

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support from local businesses and individuals in helping the ball’s remarkable triumph,” added Bob Keevil, Chairman at Friends of Imperial Square Heritage and Conservation (FISHAC). “So many volunteered their time and assistance. Nicholas Granger of British Bespoke Auctions did a grand job of hosting the auction and getting the guests bidding so generously, and The Queen’s Hotel kindly donated the use of its splendid Regency Suite, making the Ball such an elegant affair.”

For further information on Linc Charity or to donate visit https://www.lincfund.org/get-involved/donate-to-linc/make-a-donation/

News

Cut price tickets up for grabs as popular equestrian and lifestyle festival extended to meet demand

EARLY birds can grab cut-price entry to one of the country’s most popular equestrian and lifestyle events.

Following last year’s spectacular Bolesworth International – which welcomed more than 17,000 people to the 6,000-acre castle estate – tickets are now on sale for this summer’s celebration, which runs from June 6-16.

Located in Tattenhall, near Wrexham and Chester, the packed programme’s all-star line-up will include some of the top names in international showjumping, as well as special VIP and celebrity guests, live music, family entertainment, dog-friendly activities, ringside hospitality and more.

There is also the opportunity to pitch up and stay a little longer by camping on-site, with availability from June 13-16.

Presented by the globally renowned Al Shira’aa stables, the festival will feature two weekends of elite sport for the first time, as well as epic attractions and favourites from past years.

Bolesworth’s Managing Director Nina Barbour said: “We want to build on the success of last summer, which was our biggest and best event yet.

“To do that we have extended the programme and included even more top-level international showjumping, more lifestyle and equestrian shopping brands, and there will be something for all the family to enjoy, including the funfair and other exciting activities.”

She added: “As always, the Bolesworth International is centred around elite showjumping and attracts the very best riders from all over the world, but there is added focus on providing visitors with an excellent, action-packed all-round experience.

“Several thousand early bird tickets have already sold, with prices beginning at just £5.60, so people should visit the website and get in touch as soon as possible to be a part of it – don’t miss out!”

Among the highlights will be the return of Ben Atkinson and his stunt horses, the Hybrid/EV driving zone, live performances from artists including Rick Parfitt Jr and the RPJ Band – with further names to be announced soon – the Champagne Enclosure, a new land and rural business day, Women in Business and Ladies Day, Bolesworth Elite Auction and much, much more.

To book your early bird tickets and for the latest news and information about events at Bolesworth, call 01829 782210 or visit www.bolesworth.com/international.

Alternatively, email info@bolesworth.com and follow them on social media at @bolesworth.

For more information about partnerships, trade stands, and hospitality, contact melanie@bolesworth.com

 

News

Thousands to descend on Cheshire castle for inaugural arenacross spectacular

TALENTED riders from North Wales and Cheshire will battle the cream of world-class motocross and off-road biking at The Arenacross Festival (AX Fest) this weekend.

Thousands of people are to descend on the 6,000-acre Bolesworth Castle estate in Tattenhall, near Chester and Wrexham, for a three-day, high-octane programme of events, beginning on Friday (September 15-17).

AX Fest is Britain’s biggest motocross and live music weekend, mixing thrilling racing and freestyle motocross (FMX) stunt shows with an amazing family festival experience. The event will also mark the first round of the 2023/24 Arenacross British Championship.

Among the local stars appearing will be world class Deeside motocross rider Adam Sterry, who is thrilled to be competing on an incredible track which has been converted from Bolesworth’s iconic international equestrian arena using more than 5,000 tons of dirt!

The 27 year-old will be among the highlights during a packed schedule complemented by a vast array of activities for all the family.

The festival will also include a thrillseekers’ funfair, live shows, bike experiences for adults and kids of all ages, a huge range of retail and food and drink options, plus a live music stage with bands and DJs kicking off at night when the sport finishes. Visitors can also camp for the weekend to enjoy the whole festival.

Among the special guests already signed up to play are Mercury – one of the World’s leading Queen Tribute Bands and Rick Parfitt Jr and the RPJ Band on the Friday, followed the next night headlined by DJ, keyboard player and songwriter Sister Bliss, performing her Faithless DJ set, as well as by a High on Heels Ibiza set.

Having grown up just over the border, Adam – a former winner of the British 250cc (MX2) Championship – is proud to see motocross given such an amazing platform.

“I’ve always been interested in the AX series, I think it’s great for the sport in the UK,” he said.

“I’ve had almost zero experience of this type of racing, so it’s something completely new to me but I’m excited for the challenge and the venue is awesome – it looks mega!”

British Arenacross Champion Tommy Searle, who rides for GTCI Revo Kawasaki, and three-time SuperEnduro World Champion Billy Bolt, will also be lining up over the weekend.

Tommy has nothing but praise for the set up at Bolesworth.

“There is so much for people to do, even if you’re not into bikes there is something for everyone,” he said.

“I’m so looking forward to it, we’ve never had racing in a venue like this, it’s never been done before and we’re all really excited about it.”

AX Fest will also feature some of the sport’s up-and-coming young talent, including Llangollen’s Oscar Smith.

The nine year-old, a pupil at Garth Primary School, has been into bikes since he was just two and can’t wait to take on the new track.

“It’s going to be so much fun, we all can’t wait to race here as it’s the first time ever,” said Oscar.

Seven year-old Elworth Hall Primary School pupil Marcus Taylor, from Sandbach, is another planning to make his mark at event, despite his young age: “I have been riding since I was three, I love to be out on my bike and my dream is to be a champion one day,” he said.

Ewloe racer Riley Rogers was also just three when he received his first motocross bike, and six when he began racing. He looks forward to taking on the competition in the 65cc category.

“It’s going to be amazing being out on the same track as Tommy Searle, I can’t wait,” he said.

Aston Whitehead, from Crewe, who celebrates his 12th birthday today (Monday) has been riding for five years having been inspired by his grandfather, also a former motocross rider.

He even wears the same number as his grandfather did – 116 – and dreams of becoming the world’s best one day.

“I just love racing; we go all over the country taking on other 85cc riders but have never raced anywhere like this – it’s amazing!” said Aston.

“To be here among the best in my age group, and then to have the very best professional motocross riders in the same arena is going to be epic!”

Bolesworth’s Managing Director of Events and Arenacross creator Matt Bates, a former Pro Motocross rider, believes the inaugural celebration will be a unique crossover event for the region.

“For fans of the sport it’s going to be an exhilarating three days watching the very best compete on a unique, purpose-built track in one of the area’s most beautiful settings,” he said.

“But AX Fest is so much more than that, it’s an experience all the family can enjoy with so much taking place across the Estate – we hope you can join us and that this is the first of many events of this kind in the future.”

Tickets for AX Fest are available now from www.bolesworth.com/axfest; make sure to book online in advance to get the best price! For more information email info@bolesworth.com or call 01829 782210.