This weekend is the 2016 Badminton Horse Trials in South Gloucestershire.
Sponsored by Mitsubishi Motors, itself having strong links to the area, it offers five days of equestrian eventing, supported by the opportunity for visitors to sample an array of food and drink, along with the chance to part with their money in the sizeable purpose built shopping area.
So Badminton is not just about horses. Though it’s definitely not about shuttlecocks.
Badminton is an opportunity for a ‘certain class’ of audience to indulge in their passion for horses, food and shopping, and to see and be seen – it’s also a chance to mix with the well heeled of England, though many will be cash poor and wandering around in aged and frayed Barbour jackets.
So why are Mitsubishi and other business opportunists attracted to such an event?
The audience demographic – young pony club devotees, landed gentry, the replica and authentic Chelsea set, wealthy housewives, successful businessmen, young entrepreneurs. And let’s not forget the very important aspirationals who wish to be in one of the aforementioned groups.
There’s something for everyone, and everyone is catered for.
So if you are a business owner who likes your cars – go and have a sit in the four wheel drive vehicles on display. A woman who works hard and you want to treat yourself – go find that beautiful pair of boots. A child who ‘s having their first riding lessons – look at the riding jackets and jodhpurs. An art lover craving something new – track down the bespoke bronze of the boxing hares.
And if you’re a dog, your owners will likely find the organic, homemade dog treat stall for you and admire the hardwearing, tweed dog beds that would suit you so well.
And when you need a break, you can grab anything from a flute of champagne, to a pulled pork burger, sit in the sunshine and watch it all happening.
There really is something for everyone.
