X Factor star, Ruth Lorenzo will sample the delights of English country living when she spends the night at Bolesworth Castle after performing at the estate’s annual Showjumping Classic and Country Fair, which runs from June 9-12th.

 

Lorenzo, who hails from Murcia in Spain, is performing at the Bolesworth Big Night Out on Saturday, June 11. The invitation to stay the night came from Diana Barbour, the castle owner, who has her own Spanish connections.  

                                           

       Diana Barbour                                                                 Ruth Lorenzo

 

Before marrying, Diana worked in the culture department of the Spanish Embassy in London and, in recognition of her work, was honoured with the title Dame of Civil Merit by the Spanish government.

 

Mrs Barbour, a former High Sheriff of Cheshire, said: “The estate really comes alive during the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic and Country Fair. The Big Night Out is something different and should be really special.   It will be wonderful to have Ruth here and I hope she enjoys her stay in this lovely part of the country.

 

“I enjoyed my time working in the Spanish Embassy and I am a great admirer of Spanish culture.  I imagine that Ruth and I will have a lot to talk about – in Spanish of course.”

 

Lorenzo, whose new album is due for release later this year, is looking forward to performing at Bolesworth.  She said: “I’ve heard that Cheshire is a beautiful county and that Bolesworth is a very special and romantic place.  I think the Bolesworth Big Night Out will be a really magical night.  I promise it’ll be a great night with some wonderful music.

 

“I’ll play a couple of my new songs, which I hope people will enjoy hearing.  Of course, I’ll also be performing those big numbers from the X Factor, which I know people love to hear.”

 

The singer is also looking forward to watching the equestrian action.  She said: “I am Spanish and of course horses are part of the Spanish culture.  We have beautiful horses, like the Andalusians, which are incredibly well trained and look fantastic.  Horses are extremely important to Spanish people and a massive part of Spanish life.  I have friends who play polo here in the UK and I know that Cheshire is the heart of horse country. I’m really looking forward to watching some of the showjumping at Bolesworth.  Who knows, I may even get to ride one of the horses!”

 

The Bolesworth Show is packed with world-class sporting action.  Saturday’s Express Eventing qualifier sees 2011 Badminton champion, Mark Todd and former Badminton and Burghley winner, Oliver Townend in action.

 

Sunday’s Bolesworth Classic Grand Prix has prize money totalling £18,000. Past competitors include John Whitaker, Nick Skelton, Robert Smith, Michael Whitaker, Geoff Billington, Billy Twomey and Ellen Whitaker. 

 

There are 40 different showjumping classes at Bolesworth, attracting the top experienced and junior riders.   Some of the best action will be in the pony classes and the Mini Major Relay, in which juniors pair up with professionals in an exciting showjumping relay. 

 

The entertainment and attractions include a record number of trade stands, demonstrations by leading shoe designer CLEO B, cooking with celebrity chef Brian Mellor, the Jive Pony display team, the Fashion Fete with television hairdresser Tommy van der Veken, Fine Food Marquee, arts and crafts, Hall’s Antiques Roadshow, WOW balls, pony rides, archery, shooting, fun fair and Punch and Judy.

 

All the details are available at www.bolesworthclassic.com

 

Project part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development:  Europe investing in rural areas. 

Project delivered through the Northwest Development Agency via Defra.