Bishop Burton College in East Yorkshire will host the Festival of Youth, a major new championship event launching in 2026 that will combine British Eventing and Pony Club Championships.
Designed to become the flagship destination for every rider under 21, British Eventing says that “The Festival marks an evolution of British Eventing’s youth pathway – bringing competition, education, community and celebration together in one inspiring summer showcase”
Hosted annually at Bishop Burton College from 2026 to 2031, the Festival of Youth will bring the nation’s most talented young eventers together for a week of top-level sport matched by experiences on and off the field.
“The Festival of Youth isn’t just a championship – it’s an experience. It’s about creating a place where young riders feel part of something bigger, where they can compete, learn, connect and celebrate everything they love about our sport” says BE CEO Rosie Williams.
The Pony Club will also play a key role within the Festival’s sporting programme, strengthening the pathway between The Pony Club eventing and British Eventing. The Festival will now host The Pony Club Open and a friendly BE v PC 100 friendly team competition, ensuring riders at every level feel supported as they progress.
2026 Festival of Youth Classes at Bishop Burton
British Eventing & The Pony Club classes for 2026 include:
· National Junior Championship CCIJ2*-S
· National Pony Championship CCIP2*-S
· Regional Team Championships CCIJ2*-S
· Regional Team Championships 100L
· U18 BE90L
· U21 CCI2*-S
· U21 BE100L
· British Eventing/The Pony Club 100 National Friendly Team Competition
· The Pony Club Open Championship
“The Festival of Youth is an exciting and natural step in strengthening the pathway for young riders” Marcus Capel, CEO of The Pony Club “The Pony Club is proud to be working alongside British Eventing to create an environment that champions education, teamwork and enjoyment alongside high-quality sport.
By bringing our members into a festival that celebrates both performance and personal development, we are helping young people build confidence, skills and lifelong friendships, while supporting their progression, whatever their future ambitions within eventing may be.”
Bishop Burton College: the perfect home for the Festival
As one of the UK’s leading centres for equestrian education and performance, Bishop Burton College, which has hosted the BE International Youth Championships for several years, is uniquely positioned to host an event of this scale and significance.
With its world-class arenas, outstanding cross-country facilities and a thriving equine department, the venue provides a championship setting for competition alongside exceptional opportunities for learning and career inspiration.
Danny Metters, Principal and CEO of Bishop Burton College, says that “Bishop Burton College is delighted to be hosting the British Eventing Festival of Youth, an event that aligns perfectly with our mission to develop and support the next generation of equestrian talent. Riders will not only compete at a national level, but also gain access to invaluable educational experiences that help shape their futures in the industry.”
The Festival of Youth will create a memorable environment not just for young riders, but also for their families and supporters. Alongside championship classes, visitors will enjoy opportunities to learn from industry professionals, explore education and career pathways, and connect with like-minded young eventers from across the UK.
Further details, including entry information and the full event schedule, will be released in due course.
