Another Coate PR event season begins and despite the ever-changing weather, we made our way down to Bicton in Devon in May to host the media day ahead of the International Horse Trials taking place this week 23 – 26 May. Media days are a specialty for us as we love making memorable events for our media colleagues and wonderful sponsors and allowing them to get the inside track on all the event will be offering plus and insight into what challenges the cross country course will bring.
How the day went
The media day had quite the Devonshire welcome with scones, cream and jam – made the Devon way of course! Media packs were shared with all attendees which included a press release highlighting the top riders ready to compete, course maps and fence lists. It was also a moment for husband and wife Course Designer Helen West and Event Director Andrew Fell to announce some very special news – that they are now both taking over the full management of Bicton Arena.
It was then all aboard the ‘Bicton Safari Bus’ – our transport for the course drive which, in true Bicton fashion, meandered through the Grade 1 listed parkland and over the challenging terrain to give us a fantastic view of the three cross country courses expertly designed by Helen West. Stopping at several viewing points and fence combinations, the media were treated to an exclusive insight from Helen and Andrew on the different angles, the design of the course and how the ground was being prepared. Media were able to create content with Helen and Andrew and opportunity for pictures and video interviews.
Having taken in the views of Bicton, we made our way back to the Clinton Devon Estates office for more scones and opportunities to interview with Helen and Andrew overlooking the stunning TopSpec main arena, perfectly mown by Marvin, Andrew’s robot!
The media day resulted in brilliant feedback from all attendees as well as an all-important social media buzz.
“Thanks so much for a great Media Day at Bicton on Tuesday, it was really insightful to hear Helen’s thoughts on the XC tracks and super special to see the passion that both her and Andrew have for the event.”
– Flo Carter, influencer
Media coverage from the day included blogs from:
Behind the scenes…Bicton International Horse Trials. (substack.com)
Bicton May International Horse Trials (Becky Wren)
Bicton International Horse Trials Show Guide 2024 – Hiho Silver
Follow up
For those media and sponsors who could not attend the day, we created an email that is sent to media the following day giving them imagery and video content, course maps and press releases which they were free to use on their own platforms. View the follow up email to media here