View our cross country videos from 2016 Firle Place here
Bede Events is to take over the running of the Firle Place International Horse Trials and Country Fair. After 15 years at the helm organising the popular event, organiser Jo Carr has stepped down and handed over the reins to Bede Events.
“After 15 years organising Firle, with the support of a wonderful team of volunteers, the Gage family and generous sponsors, it felt like a good time to pass the event on to someone who can take it to the next level,” Jo commented. “I have worked with Stuart in the past and I feel sure he has the ideas and energy to take the event forward in new and exciting ways. I am especially pleased to have been able to secure the future of the event at Firle as it is one of the oldest and finest horse trials venues in the country.”
The South East of England affiliated event has been running since 1975 and Jo Carr's successful management of the event since 2002 has resulted in Firle Place International twice winning the South East Eventers League Event of the Year.
Classes run from BE90 to CIC1*, and alongside the eventing there is a hugely popular Country Fair and Dog Festival. Diverse trade stands, local crafts, a Farmers Market and great shopping make the weekend a ‘don't miss’ event for Sussex residents.
Firle Place has been in the Gage family for 500 years and provides a stunning backdrop for a weekend of top quality sport, entertainment and shopping.
Henry Gage, son of the Eighth Viscount, Lord Gage, commented: “We are delighted that the International Horse Trials and Country Fair will remain one of the flagship events at Firle Place. It has always been one of our favourite dates in the calender and we look forward to continuing the tradition with Bede Events. We are very grateful to Jo for all her enthusiasm and commitment and for putting on such a good show over the past 15 years.”
Bede Events already runs Oasby, Belton Park, Shelford Manor, Berkshire College and Osberton; Firle Place adds a new Southern venue to the line-up.
“It's a huge privilege to be asked to run Firle,” said Bede's Stuart Buntine. “Jo has done a great job over the last 15 years and we are really excited to take on such a successful venue and work with the team at Firle Place. They put on such a great show every year and totally understand the requirements of an affiliated event.”
Entries for Firle Place International open on 14th July.
