An Eventful Life is filming all competitors at Thoresby Park – order or view cross country videos here
International eventing returns to the UK this Easter weekend with a truly world class field heading to Nottinghamshire’s Eventing Spring Carnival, at Thoresby Park.
BEDE Event’s spring international at Thoresby Park, formerly at Belton, has been a key part to many a five-star preparation with 2026 being no different. The Thoresby entry will see 70% of the Badminton field compete, with notable entries in the Lycetts Grantham Cup, Rathbones CCI3* and Advanced classes.
World number 1, Harry Meade, brings his team of five-star stars to challenge for the Rathbones CCI3* on Easter Sunday, as part of their preparation for either Defender Kentucky or Mars Badminton CCI5* in a few weeks’ time.
Ros Canter will be the one to watch in Saturday’s Lycetts Grantham Cup. Recently returned to competition from maternity leave, Ros’s recent accolades and titles are many. Olympic gold medallist, back-to-back Badminton and Burghley five-star winner, and a former World and European Champion. Partnered with Lordships Graffalo, they’re a serious force to be reckoned with.
Double Olympic gold medallist Tom McEwen this year brings two of his lesser-known stable stars for the feature CCI4* classes, in Shannondale Arnold and Quintus. Visitors also have the chance to learn from a legend as Tom hosts the exclusive 4* showjumping course walk on Saturday morning – with limited tickets remaining.
Crowd favourites Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue lead the Irish contingent with Badminton bound Lucy Latta and Sam Watson making the trip across the Irish sea.
Sam Watson will also feature on the new “Chat Stage”, with Saturday’s schedule hosted by EquiRatings and Nicole Brown. They’ll be taking a deep dive into some of the Grantham Cup stats, discussing course developments and interviewing the podium following prize giving. Sunday’s schedule offers more of a lifestyle and family focus, with Joss Stewardson hosting cocktail making, shopping and style inspiration and an Easter bonnet parade.
Following positive feedback from competitors in 2025 cross-country courses will follow the same route, with a range of new fences and combinations featuring in all courses. Course designer, Stuart Buntine, has made a conscious decision to reduce the intensity of the Lawns section of the course, and added more galloping stretches to this year’s track.
The Eventing Spring Carnival might have horse sport at its heart, but as a countryside event it offers all the fun of the fair for family visitors this Easter. In addition to Easter Sunday’s Great Thoresby Easter Egg Hunt, there’s a variety of fun fair rides and activities for the little ones at Kids in the Courtyard. Plus, Hobby Horse Adventures will be hosting the UK’s only International Hobby Horse competition, with an opportunity for local hobby horse enthusiasts to “loan a pony” and have-a-go.
With food courts, makers markets and numerous shopping outlets, Thoresby Park will be the place to be this, Easter. An event to make memories with friends and family.
Picnic Parking is already sold out but grab a bargain with the Easter Sunday Bundle – two adult tickets, car pass, and two Easter Egg Hunt tickets, for £35. Children under 14 go free on all days.
