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 12^th 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.

BOLESWORTH CASTLE is to host a free celebration of young showjumping talent.

Visitors to this year’s Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships will be able to watch some of the sport’s top names for over five days from Wednesday to Sunday (August 16-20).

The packed programme also features an equestrian shopping village, food and drink outlets throughout the week, with dog training and agility sessions, family dog shows, funfair, inflatables and more on the Saturday and Sunday.

Bolesworth’s Managing Director Nina Barbour is delighted to welcome back an “exceptional field” of young horses and talented riders to the 6,000-acre Estate, based in Tattenhall, near Chester and Wrexham.

“This is a showcase for the development and training of young horses, to boost our British equine industry and support home-grown, exceptional breeders and producers,” she said.

“It’s also a chance for people to watch the cream of young international showjumping for free, right on their doorstep, so we hope to see some big crowds over the five days.

“Among the top names competing will be John Whitaker, Holly Smith and William and Pippa Funnell, so it’s a unique opportunity to come and enjoy a weekend of top sport with kids and dogs in tow!”

Nina added the venue’s partnership with Al Shira’aa – the Abu Dhabi-based stables now operating in the UK and globally to develop all aspects of equestrian sports and horse care – has gone from strength to strength.

“Their team have had a hugely successful year assisting the UAE in qualifying for the Paris Olympics and will be competing at the championships with their young horses, including a selection of top breeding stallions,” she said.

“All of this combines to produce an event at Bolesworth where we can proudly champion the very best young horses in the UK. We would like to extend a huge thank you to all our partners and supporters and wish everyone the very best of luck for a successful week of competition.”

The aim of all participants will be to secure their place at the World Breeding Championships at Lanaken in Belgium this September.

Among the talented riders returning to compete will be last year’s 2* Grand Prix winner Carmen Edwards, from Ellesmere, who is looking forward to defending the title.

“To win my first international Grand Prix at Bolesworth was what dreams are made of; it couldn’t have been better and on home soil too!” he said.

“My goal at Bolesworth will always be to qualify for Lanaken Young Horse World Championships. I think for everyone really, it’s the goal.”

To register for your free place and for more information, visit www.bolesworthyounghorse.com.

For sponsorship and hospitality opportunities, email melanie@bolesworth.com.

REDEVELOPMENT of a disused school building will create up to 30 jobs and breathe new life into a picturesque Cheshire village.

Bolesworth Estate has submitted plans to transform the Grade II-listed former Harthill School and schoolmaster’s house into a high-quality restaurant and pub.

Proposals also include a staff apartment, the demolition of a 1960s extension and conservatory, and construction of a single-storey rear extension with patio, and the rebuilding of an existing barn as a storage facility for plant and bicycles.

Neglected outdoor space would be utilised for landscaping, parking for up to 59 vehicles, and an accessible children’s play area and dog-friendly 1,000-metre trail which will later feature interactive displays and sculptures.

Bolesworth’s Managing Director Nina Barbour said their long-term vision is to work in partnership with Sandstone Ridge Trust – Sandstone Ridge has been shortlisted for Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) designation – and create a venue which supports the local economy while complementing its scenic surroundings, nature, and biodiversity.

“As well as creating a brand-new leisure space that generates footfall and creates jobs, we want to breathe life back into what is one of the most beautiful areas of Cheshire,” said Nina.

“We are mindful of the impact it will have locally as this is such a historic building, and the response has been positive and welcoming, with many people keen to see an empty site turned into something that will benefit the community, notably families, walkers, and small businesses.”

She added: “The emphasis is on quality, from the design and construction of the restaurant to customer service and food and beverages – we will be setting the bar high.

“As part of a vision that stretches over the next five years and beyond, we will be looking at the leisure, hospitality and accommodation offering across the 6,500-acre Bolesworth Estate for residents and visitors to the area.

“There are so many opportunities out there, notably around Sandstone Ridge which is a stunning location fully deserving of AONB status; this project will support that and give the village of Harthill and surrounding areas an economic boost. Together with local businesses and stakeholders we plan to use this project as a catalyst and platform to really showcase what Cheshire West has to offer.

“We will be looking to make quick progress and begin the development immediately if we do receive the green light from planning. The school has been vacant for a long time and there is an appetite for a high-class, top-quality destination that will reinvigorate the village.”

The school building dates back to 1868 but was ravaged by fire in 1922. It was rebuilt but closed 15 years ago with just nine pupils. It then became a cookery school but shut down in the pandemic and has been empty ever since.

Bolesworth’s Property and Leisure Director Mike Crowther said the Harthill School development will act as a gateway to Sandstone Ridge and form part of the popular walking and cycling network.

“The project celebrates this incredible rural area, its nature and heritage,” added Mike.

“There are so many benefits beyond the investment into the area, from the sourcing of local food and drink from independent suppliers to the restoration of a historic building which has lain empty for years, improvements in access to the site to ease traffic congestion, and a high-quality customer experience.

“We will continue to work closely with the community, the Sandstone Ridge Trust, the parish council and other relevant bodies to ensure we all take this journey together and provide an opportunity for sustainable economic growth that we hope will become a firm favourite with locals and attract new visitors – notably walkers and cyclists – to one of this region’s hidden gems.”

For more information and if you have any questions on the proposed development, visit www.bolesworth.com/Harthill.

Visit www.bolesworth.com for the latest news and events at Bolesworth Estate.

MORE than 17,000 visitors enjoyed this year’s record-breaking Bolesworth International.

The lifestyle and equestrian festival packed hundreds of activities into five days on the border of North Wales and Cheshire, featuring celebrity guests, international showjumping competitions and a feast of fun for all the family.

The Brand New Heavies, Rick Parfitt Jr and DJ Trevor Nelson were among the stars who took to the live music stage over the weekend, and from Wednesday to Sunday there was a wide selection of things to do, from falconry displays, freestyle motocross and a wildlife and reptile show to a celebrity BBQ masterclass, fancy dress parade, BMX displays, a dog activity zone, EV and hybrid automotive test drive zone and much, much more.

There was also a Women in Business panel with broadcaster and journalist Louise Minchin, Ernst and Young tax leader Victoria Price, and Wrexham AFC CEO Fleur Robinson, before a networking event the following day with sporting legends Michael Owen and Sir A P McCoy, who regaled the sell-out crowd with tales from their successful careers.

With 105 horses in training at his Manor House Stables in Cheshire, former Liverpool and England striker Michael said the equine and business worlds share many of the same values as football, adding: “You have to surround yourself with the best people; you might have the best manager and be at the best club but unless you have the best players it’s pretty hard to turn them into world beaters.

“It’s exactly the same principle in business, which is why we aimed high, for the best trainer, the best staff, the best facility and best of everything – hoping you get a little luck along the way!”

In addition to world-leading showjumping categories, the fairground and myriad attractions across the estate, there were artisan food and drink trucks and a retail village with more than 100 producers, equine independents, makers, and artists.

Bolesworth’s Managing Director Nina Barbour said the new-look event was designed to attract even more families to what was traditionally a celebration of all things equine.

“Our love of horses and showjumping is paramount and at the centre of everything we do at the Bolesworth International,” said Nina.

“But we wanted to do even more for our visitors this summer, especially families, which is why we introduced so many different elements.

“From live entertainment to fairground rides, activities for dogs, children’s games, action-packed shows and the EV driving zone – a particular favourite on Father’s Day – we tried to cover all bases.

“The feedback and numbers we’ve had through the gates were astonishing, we are absolutely thrilled and thank everyone who was a part of the event this year.

“From our brilliant staff to the competitors, stall holders, event partners and all of those people who bought tickets, we are incredibly grateful and look forward to seeing you at further events in the months ahead.”

The showjumping culminated in victory in the Cavago CSI3* Grand Prize for Irish star Billy Twomey, riding Chat Botte E.D.

Elsewhere, in the eVet Drug-sponsored Puissance, the winners were specialists Guy Williams and Mr Blue Sky who jumped a staggering 2.15m in the final round, and Veneno, ridden by Scotsman Graham Gillespie, took the plaudits in the Dodson & Horrell 1.50m jump-off.

Bolesworth Castle has a packed schedule for the second half of 2023, including the much-anticipated new Jurassic Live adventure (July 25-30), Cheshire Balloon Fiesta (August 4-6), a Halloween Circus, Fireworks and Christmas at Bolesworth, a festive extravaganza to feature a 240 square-metre ice-skating rink, a Champagne bar, and the popular lights trail.

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

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