Re-launch of Horse Show following New Year 2017 Car Park Fire

The prestigious Liverpool International Horse Show will be back for the fourth consecutive year after the heartbreak of the 2017 New Year's Eve car park fire. You will all recall that the final session of last year's show was cancelled and you will remember the harrowing images of the 1400 cars which were destroyed as the blaze tore through the multi-storey Liverpool Waterfront car park, adjacent to the Echo Arena.

At last week's press conference, held at The Pullman Hotel, Liverpool, Nina Barbour, Bolesworth Estate, commented ... 'The cancellation of our New Year's Eve evening session was absolutely devastating both for our team and all our supporters who were there to celebrate New Year's Eve. Many of our team and visitors also suffered a great deal of heartbreak, losing their cars and possessions.

'Everyone has worked so hard to establish the show and we are determined, now more than ever, that it will be one of the world's premier equestrian events. We are looking forward to being back in Liverpool and we're planning to make 2018 the best show yet, especially as we are the climax to Liverpool 2018.'

In response, Joe Anderson, the Mayor of Liverpool, said: 'The Liverpool International Horse Show is part of the Liverpool sporting family and we are delighted that Nina and the team have kept faith with the city.

'New Year's Eve 2017 was a difficult night for Liverpool and the visitors to the Horse Show. We have worked with Nina to ensure that this world-class sporting event stays in Liverpool and we're looking forward to seeing this excellent international event back at the Echo Arena.'

So, what to expect and Early Bird ticket details below:

• For 2018, the Liverpool International Horse Show will have a programme of elite showjumping and dressage, climaxing with the showjumping Grand Prix on Sunday, December 31st with a top prize of 75,000 Euros (around £65,400). Further details of the entertainment programme will be announced over the next few months and be assured, we will continue to include our world-famous VIP hospitality packages and exclusive viewing boxes with fine dining and excellent views of all the action
• Peter Charles, the Liverpool-born, Olympic gold medal-winning rider from London 2012, said: 'In three short years, this show has become one of the best in the world. I travel extensively around the world – all the riders ask me if the show is going ahead. I've jumped at the Equestrian World Cup in Vegas and it's not as good as what we have here. With your dreams and your vision and with Liverpool City behind you, anything is possible.'
• The Liverpool International Horse Show will be the finale to Liverpool 2018, which is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Liverpool's triumphant tenure as European Capital of Culture in 2008.
• Echo Arena Liverpool was opened as part of the European Capital of Culture celebrations and Bob Prattey, Chief Executive of The ACC Liverpool Group, which includes Echo Arena, said: 'We are thrilled to welcome back the Liverpool International Horse Show for its fourth year. We have worked closely with Nina and her team following the terrible incident on New Year's Eve and we are pleased that they have chosen to remain in Liverpool and continue to build on the success of this prestigious event. 'We are looking forward to welcoming back fans of the Horse Show which is a major highlight on the equestrian event calendar and has such a global reputation for excellence.'
• There is a great Early Bird Offer of 20% off all general admission tickets, which will be live until the end of May. Prices start at £14 per person per session (plus booking fee) for a family ticket CLICK HERE and www.echoarena.com 0344 8000 400

Our images show – Promoter, Nina Barbour and showjumper, Delilah; and with showjumper, Delilah (left to right) Bob Prattey, chief executive of the ACC Liverpool Group, Nina Barbour, Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool and Peter Charles, 2012 Olympic gold medallist.