THE weather may have been mixed but the outlook for the thousands of people who turned out for the Festival of British Eventing at the weekend was sunny and cheerful.

Young and old enjoyed the attractions at Gatcombe Park, near Minchinhamption, home of HRH The Princess Royal.

This prestigious annual event draws the cream of British Eventing every year and is unique as it incorporates the British Open, Novice and Intermediate Championships.

The Festival opened on Friday to include the Dubarry Young Event Horse Competition along with the Pony Club Team Show Jumping.

Over the next two days a variety of shows in the Main Arena kept families entertained including One Man and His Dog, a display from the Kennel Club, the Shetland Pony Grand National and a taster of the famous Royal Horse Gala which is currently featuring at London’s O2.

And for those looking for a little retail therapy there were plenty of outlets in the shopping village selling everything from gun dog coats to garden rooms.

See page 60 for more.