HOYS Box Office Opens Early

Horse of the Year Show organisers Grandstand Media confirmed today that due to unprecedented demand, tickets for Britain's top indoor equestrian event will go on sale several weeks earlier than planned. Tickets will now be available from March 22 at the NEC Box Office. (Tel: 0870 0101052)

Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) takes place at the NEC, Birmingham from Wed 9th to Sun 13th October 2002. It is the very first time in over 50 years that the show will be staged at the NEC and it therefore promises to be a spectacular occasion.

"Following the announcement that Horse of the Year Show was moving to the NEC, we have seen an enormous demand for tickets to this year's event, as a result of which we are opening the Box Office earlier than expected. The central location and easy accessibility has now brought the show in reach of a whole new audience giving more and more people the opportunity to enjoy what Horse of the Year Show has to offer," commented Mark Wein, Director of organiser Grandstand Media.

With over 120 hours of competition and entertainment packed into five days, Horse of the Year Show hosts the best of breed National Showing Championships, all of the most prestigious National Show Jumping Finals and a full International Show Jumping programme as well. In addition there is high-speed scurry racing and the finals of the Pony Club Mounted Games for the Prince Philip Cup.

Horse of the Year Show is also famous for its world-class equestrian displays, which are not only innovative and exclusive to the UK, but are stunning to watch. This year will be no exception with three unique displays taking place every evening, with matinees on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Add to this the extensive trade stand Shopping Pavilion with over 150 stands selling everything from equestrian fashion to gifts and jewellery, and an interactive feature area where the public can come face to face with some of the equine personalities at the show, and you can see why a trip to HOYS is such a memorable one.

On Wednesday and Thursday the special Gold Evening tickets will also allow free access to the non-stop competition throughout the day. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday there are two performances - one in the afternoon and one in the evening.

The show finishes with a star studded Gala Night on Sunday 13th October, which has become part of the social calendar and is attended by a host of celebrities from sport and entertainment.

Tickets can be booked via the NEC Box Office (0870 0101052), or online at www.hoys.co.uk where further information is available. Groups of 12 or more can benefit from discounts of up to 20% by calling the Groups Box Office on 020 8900 9282. Adult prices start at £16 with concessions for children under 15 and Senior Citizens.

www.hoys.co.uk.