January has passed quickly with the Box Office opening and the Willis Brothers (cross-country course builders) out and about on the course. Last Friday, when the Willis Brothers were busy in the Luckington Lane area, with a blue sky and the sun shining, one could almost imagine it was late April!
Andy Godwin, the ground/drainage guru has been inserting drains/pipes in order to help the ground. One area that has had special attention is the Campsite. On which note, thank you to all the loyal campers that have re-booked for 2024.
Plans for the 75th Anniversary, are beginning to take shape. We are making an exciting documentary in February, which will involve riders that have competed here through the decades and will be released on Badminton TV prior to the Event. A pop-up museum is being created which will showcase archive footage and imagery depicting the Event through its 75 year history.
A Preview evening is to be held at Tortworth Court, Wotton-under-Edge, GL12 8HH on Tuesday, 9th April to celebrate 75 years of Badminton and its Olympic history as we head towards Paris this summer. The panel will include Ginny Elliot; Laura Collett, Harry Meade, Eric Winter, Richard Waygood and myself, hosted by Sam Watson. This is bound to be a popular event, so do not miss out. Further details and tickets will be on sale via our website during February.
The International schedule is with the FEI for approval, so entries will open shortly. It will be exciting to see which horse and rider combinations enter this year.
Although most tickets are distributed on-line nowadays, the Box Office team are busy keeping up with the packing of campsite and portcullis tickets.
The Badminton Retreat is returning, so anyone looking for an extra special glamping experience, please visit www.badmintonretreat.co.uk
I hope you all are looking forward to this year’s Event as much as we are, with the 75th celebrations and an Olympic year (we are supporting the British Equestrian Fund) it will be special!