GLOUCESTERSHIRE riders Tom McEwen and Vittoria Panizzon will be competing at the Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing which takes place from Friday, August 3 until Sunday, August 5 at Gatcombe Park.

McEwen, who is based at Gatcombe Park, will be riding a number of horses over the weekend, including Strike Smartly, a 16.3 gelding in the Magic Millions British Open CIC3* Championship which sees many top horse and rider combinations keen to win this prestigious title.

Panizzon will also be competing in the British Open Championship aboard Chequers Play The Game.

The Festival takes place over three days in the quintessential Cotswold’s setting of Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire, home of HRH The Princess Royal.

This year, the event will host five British Championships; the Magic Millions British Open Championship CIC3*, the Smith & Williamson British Intermediate Championship, the Dodson & Horrell British Novice Championship, the TopSpec Challenge for the Corinthian Cup and the RoR/NTF Retrained Racehorse Event Championship.

Riders in these classes will all be vying for the chance to lift the coveted trophies.

Tom, who placed within the top-10 in the British Open last year, will also be competing in the Smith & Williamson British Intermediate and the Dodson & Horrell British Novice Championships as well as the RoR/NTF Retrained Racehorse Event Championship with Dream Big.

Redmarley D’Abitot based rider Vittoria, who finished in 8th place last year in the British Open, will also be competing for the Advanced Class title aboard 16.3hh gelding Super Cillious.

Event Director Peter Phillips was impressed by this year’slist of riders heading to the festival.

He said: “We are delighted that Tom McEwen and Vittoria Panizzon are competing in this year’s Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing.

"I am excited to welcome back many familiar faces, as well as some new ones and would like to wish all competitors good luck.”

Show-stopping arena attractions will also keep audiences entertained; the spectacular Devil’s Horsemen will thrill the crowds with their high energy show.

The Shetland Pony Grand National returns to the main arena for another year with the young jockeys competing for a ticket to the prestigious final which takes place at Olympia, The London International Horse Show in December.

The majestic Dressage to Music display always enchants the crowds and the Hound Parade is very popular with families.

It may even inspire the canine members to take part in the ‘have a go’ dog agility which is bound to provide great entertainment.

For the shoppers in the family there are over 100 selected trade stands offering an eclectic mix of fashionable country attire, jewellery and equestrian brands.

If you are looking for something a little different there are unique gifts and an amazing array of sweet and savoury treats on offer in the Rural Crafts marquee.

For the foodies, there is The Festival Food Walk where you can pick up the finest produce that the area has to offer.

The Festival is set to be even better than ever with so much fantastic entertainment on offer, it truly is a weekend not to be missed.

Remember to take advantage of advance ticket prices by visiting our online box office at: www.festivalofbritisheventing.com/tickets.