Blenheim Palace News

Fortnum & Mason Hampers

This year, Fortnum & Mason will be providing hampers for the very first time at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials. Visitors will be able to enjoy their Fortnum’s picnics this September in the stunning grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage site at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, 19 – 22 Sept.

A fixture in Piccadilly since 1707, Fortnum & Mason is renowned for its extraordinary food, famous teas, and iconic wicker hampers. Crafted with the very best seasonal ingredients and wines from Fortnum’s famous Food Halls, and packed with summer-ready tipples, all picnics are perfectly prepared for two and will be available to pre-order for our guests to collect from the Fortnum’s Giant Hamper, in the grounds of Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials.

Guests can enjoy four different picnic options: The Fortnum’s Picnic, The Fortnum’s Garden Picnic, The Fortnum’s Feast and The Fortnum’s Garden Feast. The Fortnum’s Picnic features grilled chicken escalope with lemon caper sauce, rocket & shaved parmesan, celeriac remoulade and pink fir potato salad whilst the Fortnum’s Feast includes rare roast beef with tarragon dressing & peashoots alongside chilli & dill prawns with compressed cucumber & herby dressing. Those opting for the vegetarian options can enjoy Cajun spiced cauliflower tacos & pomegranate with cashew nut dip in The Fortnum’s Garden Picnic, or indulge in the Fortnum’s Garden Feast which boasts balsamic onion, leek & stilton tart with Cornish leaves & Piccadilly dressing, finished off with chocolate mousse with blueberry compote, fresh raspberries & cocoa nibs. These delicious picnics can be washed down with Fortnum’s Pays D’Oc Blanc or Fortnum’s Perricone, though guests can also opt for Fortnum & Mason’s champagne for an extra treat.

Harri Le Seelleur French, Senior Events Partnerships Manager at Fortnum & Mason comments, “Offering our picnic hampers at the horse trials is an exciting opportunity for us. Our penchant for picnics began in the 18th century when the then-fledgling company began to supply hunters and travellers with baskets of provisions for their journeys. Fortnum’s encourages joyful living, and what could be more joyous than soaking up the action at Blenheim, feasting on a picnic prepared by Fortnum & Mason.”

Event Organiser Katrina Midgley adds, “We are delighted that our visitors will get to relish these luxury hampers whilst enjoying everything going on at the horse trials. The wonderful fresh ingredients that make up the hamper menus sound fantastic and offer an indulgent experience to those who purchase the hampers.”

Hampers can be pre-ordered through the box office.

Viking return as a sponsor

Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (BPIHT) announces that Viking, the world’s leading exploration company, will return as a sponsor of this year’s event which will take place between 19 – 22 September in the grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Blenheim Palace.

Viking, which was founded in 1997, offers destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes across all seven continents for culturally curious travellers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine.

Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director of Viking UK said, “As one of the highlights of the equestrian events calendar, we are looking forward to supporting Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials once again in the stunning grounds of Blenheim Palace. Our team are looking forward to meeting guests throughout the event at our stand and introducing them to the world of Viking.”

Event Organiser, Katrina Midgley adds, “Having Viking’s support is invaluable for the horse trials and adds a new perspective to the event. Having been great supporters of other shows in our Stable Events portfolio, we are delighted that Viking is, for the second year, supporting this prestigious equestrian event.”

The Viking team will be on their stand at BPIHT to welcome curious travellers.