Monday, 26 April 2021
Olympia, The London International Horse Show’s 2021 edition will relocate to ExCeL London and take place from Thursday 16 to Monday 20 December 2021, organisers announced recently.
The Olympia London venue in West Kensington, which has been home to the iconic horse show for the last 49 years, is currently undergoing a re-development plan. As a result of COVID-19, the building activity for the re-development programme has accelerated. The revised construction programme will restrict the use of the venue for events in December 2021, hence the decision to move the Christmas horse show from Olympia London to ExCeL London.
Simon Brooks-Ward, Event Director, commented; “We are very pleased that we are able to stage the event at ExCeL London. This modern venue offers us the opportunity to build on all the aspects of the Christmas horse show that our visitors, hospitality guests, sponsors, competitors and officials know and love. The scope and flexibility of ExCeL will enable us to add exciting new features and will allow a larger arena with integrated hospitality.”
“Our 90,000 strong audience can expect to see the best international competition including three FEI World CupTM Qualifiers in Jumping, Dressage and Driving, alongside the usual wonderful mix of international equestrian displays, The Kennel Club Dog Agility, The Shetland Pony Grand National and, of course, the Christmas Finale.”
“ExCeL will offer our horse show customers excellent facilities, first class restaurants, fast digital connection, multiple parking spaces and a relaxing environment for Christmas present buying in the Show’s renowned Shopping Village.”
“Our partners, sponsors and exhibitors including the FEI, British Equestrian and Longines are all supportive of the move and are looking forward to seeing a new version of the Show at ExCeL.”
Simon Mills, Executive Director – Exhibitions, ExCeL London said: “We have a track record for delivering world class events, from globally recognised trade shows and consumer exhibitions, to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and BBC Sports Personality of the Year. As such we are delighted to welcome an international horse show to ExCeL. We’re really looking forward to working with the organising team to create a hugely memorable event for the equestrian community, that delivers a world-class experience with a raft of new opportunities.”