Last week was volunteers week, making us especially proud to officially announce that the Festival of the Iberian Horse are finalists in the Exeter Impact Awards in the TEAM category.
A truly homegrown event, we went from Tall Trees in Cornwall, to The Grange in Okehampton, to Westpoint Exeter - constant never ending growth. 2024 is our third year at Westpoint, and the event just gets bigger and better every year. We have proven anything is possible when we believe, never give up, and work, learn and grow as a team whatever we face. Many mountains have been climbed and risks taken, so this is testament to every single person involved over the 11 years, and proves that it is absolutely possible to go from grassroots to world class. We're overjoyed that the Exeter Chamber of Commerce recognise the achievement.
The Festival of the Iberian Horse has received huge critical and professional acclaim, and brought thousands of visitors to Exeter, making a significant contribution to the local economy and events industry. And no longer do South West residents have to go the big cities for a spectacular production - here on their doorstep is an event that the South West region can be truly proud of. Starring the worlds finest equestrians and the beautiful horses of Spain and Portugal, in a massive production, it's now a multi faceted arts and cultural event that crosses borders and boundaries.
Volunteers are the life blood of the entire equestrian community and without them, we would not have come so far. The majority of our team have been with us for years, over a decade in some cases, giving up their time and energy with never ending dedication, we salute them all with love and thanks.
We must also thank here the enormous amount of contractors, creatives and managers who work so diligently under enormous pressure to deliver this event. Building an international horse arena, one of the South Wests biggest lighting rigs, erecting grandstands and so much more besides, then taking it all out again in under a week, demands efficient teams with high skill levels and dedication across every aspect of the production. Billie Jean King famously said "pressure is a privilege" and it most certainly is that.
Thank you, gracias, obrigada to the Exeter Chamber for recognising our brilliant team. We're looking forward to taking some of them to the awards dinner on the 21st June, at the Exeter Cricket Club; as they say in Andalusia - VENGA!
*If you'd like to be part of something truly special, we are looking for a few more volunteers to add to the team this year. Events experience is amazing, but not essential, it's suitable for all ages and backgrounds, a unique way to gain experience, have fun, grow in confidence, meet new people, get up close with the stars of the show and so much more besides
Make sure you have your show tickets to come and see what all the excitement is all about! Box Office