CAPTAIN Mark Phillips, chairman of The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park, has announced that his son Peter Phillips is succeeding Tim Henson as event director.

Henson is stepping down from the role he has held for more than 20 years.

Captain Phillips said: “We would like to thank Tim for his huge contribution and service to The Festival over the years.

"He helped create The Festival and has been instrumental in raising the standards to deliver the best possible championships year on year. "We are very sad that he is standing down."

Peter Phillips is head of Sports Entertainment Limited, a London-based sports and entertainment agency specialising in large scale event delivery, sponsorship and consultancy.

Captain Phillips added: "Peter has been involved with the championships in many different guises since a very young age and knows the event as well as anyone.

"Peter and his team at SEL UK have some great ideas to develop and expand The Festival in the future.”

Peter Phillips said: “These are big shoes to fill but I am confident that the team at SEL will be able to bring a fresh approach whilst not taking away from the core values that Tim and his team have built up to make The Festival such a great event and a showcase for the sport of eventing.”

The Festival of British Eventing will take place from August 3-5 in 2018.