Love shopping? Find out why you’ll love Blenheim

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The SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials are on this weekend (13-17 September). This thrilling event is one of the world’s leading three-star competitions attracting the sport’s biggest names.

It’s also one of the final big three-day events of the year, so it’s not to be missed.

Alongside the great equestrian action is some fabulous shopping. So what should be looking out for this year? We spoke to Ben Buxton, head of retail and branding at Fairfax & Favor, to find out.

What do you recommend seeing at Blenheim?

Aside from the great eventing, there are some excellent trade stands within the confines of the beautiful and expansive grounds of Blenheim Palace. The Farifax & Favor stand is a must, so you can see all the latest products and enjoy a glass of bubbly with the team.

What’s new at Blenheim this year?

We are launching a few new collections at Blenheim this year. We have a brand-new velvet Chelsea boot called the Electra, which is the perfect evening boot, and comes in red, blue and black.

In addition, we have the Langly, which is our latest handbag. It is an all leather bag in mahogany, shaped and styled like the Windsor.

Finally, we are launching Fairfax & Favor’s first ever clutch bag (pictered above). The Foxley offers a combination of glamour and sophistication, and is ideal for formal evenings and events.

What’s your most popular product?

You can’t beat a classic and for that reason the Regina boot remains a favourite. However, we have launched a record number of new products this year and the new Amira over-the-knee boot has proven to be a massive hit.

What do you love about Blenheim?

Blenheim attracts a big crowd of spectators and riders and the large shopping village is the perfect place to meet new people and see friends from other shows, in between events. It also provides an opportunity to introduce new products that customers get to exclusively see and preview before everyone else.

What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not on your stand?

There are a number of other trade stands, which we have an excellent relationship with, so we take the chance to socialise and catch up after a busy season. In the evening, we walk the cross-country course, explore the idyllic village of Woodstock, or stroll back to our home through the gorgeous grounds of Blenheim.

For more information visit fairfaxandfavor.com.

  • Event Rider Masters 2017: Blenheim Palace premieres on Sky 253 on 23 September at 9pm
  • Blenheim Palace Horse Trials 2017 premieres on Sky 253 on 28 September at 9pm

You can also watch both programmes online via H&C Play and Amazon Video.