ClickCease

Author: Harry Howes

The Formula One season so far

Posted on by Harry Howes

We’re five races into the 2025 Formula One season and the standings are starting to take shape. After winning the last four consecutive titles, Max Verstappen looks to have his work cut out in his bid to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of five on the trot.

There could be a new champion emerging this year, with McLaren pair Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris leading the way so far. But there are still 19 races to go, with plenty of movement in the rankings still to come.

F1 standings after five races

PositionDriverTeamWinsPodiumsPoints
1Oscar PiastriMcLaren3499
2Lando NorrisMcLaren1489
3Max VerstappenRed Bull1387
4George RussellMercedes0373
5Charles LeclercFerrari0147

Oscar Piastri secures third win in Saudi Arabia

While all the pre-season talk focussed on a potential title charge from Norris, at the moment it’s his McLaren teammate that looks the most likely. Piastri raced to his third win in five races with another phenomenal performance in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

After winning in Bahrain the previous week, the Australian secured two wins on the spin after second-placed Verstappen was given a five-second penalty. Verstappen recovered to claim his third podium of the campaign but he didn’t quite have enough to regain the lead from Piastri.

Norris’ race looked to be in jeopardy when he suffered a crash in qualifying but he worked his way up from 10th to secure a respectable fourth-place finish and may well have overtaken Charles Leclerc with a bit more time.

It’s still early days but Piastri will have his eyes on a maiden Drivers’ Championship in just his third season on the F1 grid. The 24-year-old has improved dramatically each year, finishing 9th and 4th in previous campaigns, and if he continues his current form then Verstappen has a huge problem on his hands.

2025 F1 Podiums

RaceGrand Prix1st2nd3rd
1Australian Grand PrixLando NorrisMax VerstappenGeorge Russell
2Chinese Grand PrixOscar PiastriLando NorrisGeorge Russell
3Japanese Grand PrixMax VerstappenLando NorrisOscar Piastri
4Bahrain Grand PrixOscar PiastriGeorge RussellLando Norris
5Saudi Arabian Grand PrixOscar PiastriMax VerstappenCharles Leclerc

Can Verstappen turn things around?

Verstappen was by no means at his best last year compared to his dominance in 2023. The Red Bull maestro failed to win a lot of races in the second half of the campaign, with his closest rivals failing to capitalise.

The difference in 2024 was that he started strongly and built up a healthy lead before fading away. In fact, Verstappen won seven of the opening 10 races last time out and was storming away at the start of the campaign.

The same can’t be said this time around. He’s won just once so far and will need to reverse his strategy and mount a comeback if he wants to challenge in the title race at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Norris finds himself in a good position after five races. While he would have wanted to be top of the pile, he’ll be able to work with teammate Piastri to prevent Verstappen from taking control. Next up is Miami, the scene of the Brit’s first ever Grand Prix victory last year and he’ll be looking to repeat the feat next weekend after a week’s break.

Elsewhere, it’s been a baptism of fire so far for Lewis Hamilton in his first season for Ferrari after making the switch from Mercedes. He’s recorded a highest finish of fifth so far, although he’s been in the top 10 each time. While he’s not disgraced himself, he’ll need to step up quickly if he still dreams of securing a record eighth title this year.

Upcoming F1 races

With so many races still to come, you can enjoy the action in style with Engage’s exclusive hospitality packages. Whether you fancy a day out at Silverstone or a trip to Miami, we’ve got you covered – enquire today to reserve your place.

Miami Grand Prix– Sunday 4th May
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix– Sunday 18th May
Monaco Grand Prix– Sunday 25th May
Spanish Grand Prix– Sunday 1st June
Canadian Grand Prix– Sunday 15th June
Austrian Grand Prix– Sunday 29th June
British Grand Prix– Sunday 6th July
Belgian Grand Prix– Sunday 27th July
Hungarian Grand Prix– Sunday 3rd August
Dutch Grand Prix– Sunday 31st August
Italian Grand Prix– Sunday 7th September
Azerbaijan Grand Prix– Sunday 21st September
Singapore Grand Prix– Sunday 5th October
USA Grand Prix– Sunday 19th October
Mexican Grand Prix– Sunday 26th October
Brazilian Grand Prix– Sunday 9th November
Las Vegas Grand Prix– Saturday 22nd November
Qatar Grand Prix– Sunday 30th November
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix– Sunday 7th December

Can Crystal Palace shock Manchester City and win the FA Cup?

Posted on by Harry Howes

And then there were two. Almost nine months after the first qualifying rounds, we have our 2025 FA Cup finalists, with Crystal Palace set to face Manchester City next month.

The Eagles were imperious as they comfortably beat Aston Villa at Wembley on Saturday, before City edged past high-flying Nottingham Forest the following day.

Third time lucky for Palace?

Wembley is becoming a regular venue for Palace, although they haven’t always been on the right side of the result. They’re set for their third FA Cup final appearance, with the previous two both ending in wins for City’s rivals, Manchester United.

But despite the ghosts of their past, and a juggernaut opponent standing in their way, something feels different about Palace under Oliver Glasner. While their previous sides in 1990 and 2016 felt like underdogs, the current side have a swagger, a confidence and a winning mentality.

They were unstoppable in their semi-final win over Villa, as a wonderstrike from Eberechi Eze and a second-half brace from Ismaïla Sarr gave them a 3-0 win. The margin of victory could have been greater, with Jean-Philippe Mateta having a goal ruled out in the first half before missing a penalty after the break.

Palace’s brutal dismantling of their Premier League opponents was emblematic of Glasner’s ruthlessness. The Austrian coach has been in charge for just over a year and after adapting to life after the departure of Michael Olise and a tricky start to the season, he’s got his side flying again.

Glasner has pedigree in cup competitions having guided Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory back in 2022. And he’s continued that trend in south London, with Palace conceding just once en route to the final.

In fact, he’s already won more cup matches in just one season for Palace than predecessor Roy Hodgson managed in five. He clearly takes these competitions seriously and having found the perfect balance of a stable defence and a dynamic attack, he could be the man to deliver the first major trophy in Crystal Palace’s history.

FA Cup Hospitality

Enquire Now

Palace’s route to the final

Third round: Crystal Palace 1-0 Stockport County
Fourth round: Doncaster Rovers 0-2 Crystal Palace
Fifth round: Crystal Palace 3-1 Millwall
Quarter-final: Fulham 0-3 Crystal Palace
Semi-final: Crystal Palace 3-0 Aston Villa

Man City look to end nightmare season on a high

While it’s easy to be positive about Palace’s prospects, there’s one huge hurdle standing in their way. City have been far from their vintage best this season, but they still boast a phenomenal squad and have arguably the greatest manager of all time in their dugout in Pep Guardiola.

They’ll know about Palace’s strengths more than most, having suffered two defeats to them in recent years. In fact, only a few weeks ago the Eagles raced into a 2-0 lead at The Etihad in their Premier League meeting before Kevin De Bruyne inspired a comeback to secure a 5-2 win.

City are in desperate need of silverware following a disastrous season and they’ll see the FA Cup as the perfect way to end the campaign on a high. It’s their third consecutive appearance in the final, although they did come unstuck last May as they were beaten by neighbours United.

Despite beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 in their semi-final clash, they rode their luck at times. Goals from Rico Lewis and Joško Gvardiol earned them a place in the final, although Forest hit the woodwork three times in a frustrating second half.

They’ll go into the clash against Palace as the bookies’ favourites but they’ll need to be at their best to secure an eighth FA Cup title, particularly if Palace are in the mood. City will be buoyed by the news that talisman Rodri and Erling Haaland have made a return to training, although they face a race against time to be fit for the final.

De Bruyne is set to leave the club at the end of the season and with the FA Cup final likely to be one of his final games in a City shirt, it would be fitting for the Belgian to go out on a high and fire his side to glory.

But it’s not been a typical season for City. Having won four consecutive league titles, their dominance is over and they currently find themselves fourth in the table, with Champions League football for next season still not secured.

And they know all too well not to underestimate the underdog, having fallen victim to one of the great FA Cup shocks back in 2013, when Ben Watson’s late header secured a famous victory for Wigan Athletic.

Can Manchester City rescue their season with an FA Cup win?

It’s been a strange season for many reasons, not least because Manchester City only have one trophy on their radar. They’re out of the Champions League and their title hopes are long gone, meaning the FA Cup is their only chance of silverware this season.

They’re also not guaranteed a Champions League spot this season, meaning the next few weeks could be pivotal for Pep Guardiola’s side. They’ve endured an uncharacteristically poor campaign, thanks to a combination of disappointing individual performances and injuries.

Former talisman Kevin De Bruyne has struggled for fitness and has been far from his best when available. Meanwhile, the likes of Phil Foden and Jack Grealish haven’t delivered, while Rodri has spent much of the campaign sidelined.

In previous years, City would be the odds-on favourites to go all the way in the FA Cup based on the semi-final line-up. But with a tricky test against Forest followed by either Villa or Palace, they’ll have to be at their very best to guarantee their eighth FA Cup.

Manchester City’s route to the final

Third round: Manchester City 8-0 Salford City
Fourth round: Leyton Orient 1-2 Manchester City
Fifth round: Manchester City 3-1 Plymouth Argyle
Quarter-final: Bournemouth 1-2 Manchester City
Semi-final: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Manchester City

Watch the FA Cup final in style

If you fancy watching this year’s final at Wembley, why not make the most of Engage’s exclusive hospitality packages? The showpiece event takes place on Saturday 17th May – enquire today to reserve your place.

The ultimate guide to the 2025 NBA playoffs

Posted on by Harry Howes

After a gruelling season, it’s almost time for the NBA playoffs, which sees 16 teams go head-to-head as they look to be crowned this year’s champions. The Boston Celtics are looking to retain their crown after beating the Dallas Mavericks last year to win a record 18th NBA title.

But it won’t be easy and there are plenty of incredible teams looking to stand in their way. With the basketball action already underway, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s NBA playoffs.

How do the playoffs work?

The NBA is split into the Eastern Conference and Western Conference, which are then separated into smaller divisions. Each team plays 82 matches and at the end of the regular season, the six best teams from each conference automatically qualify for the playoffs.

To determine the remaining four competitors, the teams that finish seventh to tenth take part in a play-in tournament, with the victors taking the final spots that are known as the seventh and eighth seeds. In the playoffs, teams compete over best-of-seven matches in each round, with the first round winners advancing to the conference semi-finals.

Following that comes the conference finals, which determine the ultimate winner of each conference. The two conference winners then meet in the NBA final, which will finally see this year’s NBA champions crowned. The playoffs continue throughout May and into June, with this year’s final starting on Thursday 5th June.

Who are the favourites to win the NBA playoffs?

Oklahoma City Thunder are the current bookies’ favourites after storming to glory in the Western Conference. They won an incredible 64 of their 82 games, which secured them the Maurice Podoloff Trophy and home-court for the entire playoffs series. Their success is in large part down to the form of point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is among the favourites to be crowned this year’s MVP.

However, despite their dominance in the NBA this year, Oklahoma will be wary of the Boston Celtics who are on a mission to win a record 19th title as they enter the playoffs for the 11th year in a row, which is a new NBA record. Led by star players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the defending champions finished in the Eastern Conference after comfortably winning the Atlantic Division with 61 victories. They’re looking to become the first team to secure back-to-back championships since the Golden State Warriors in 2018.

They finished behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, who topped the Eastern Conference with an impressive 64 wins. After firing J. B. Bickerstaff at the end of last season, they got off to a flier under new coach Kenny Atkinson, starting the season with 15 consecutive wins. Despite their strong early season form, they’ll be slightly worried about their end of season run-in. They went 8-8 in their final 16 matches, which doesn’t breed much confidence ahead of the playoffs.

And while they’re by no means the favourites, you can never rule out a title charge from the LA Lakers. They boast three of the best players in the league in four-time MVP LeBron James, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Their main issue is keeping the trio fit – they’ve played just 21 games together this season. After finishing third in the Western Conference, the LA Lakers will be looking to win their first title since 2020 and they start their campaign against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the same side they met in their opening regular season game.

Elsewhere, the New York Knicks could spring a surprise after claiming third seed in the Eastern Conference. While they’re enjoying their best season in quite some time, they seem to lack quality when it matters and lost all eight matches this season when coming up against Oklahoma and Cleveland.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors, who won their third championship back in 2022, will fancy their chances despite having to rely on the play-in tournament to qualify for the playoffs. They started the season strongly, going 12-3 in their opening 15 games, but faded slightly. However, they boast star quality in Steph Curry and after seeing off the Memphis Grizzlies in their play-in clash, they’ve got momentum on their side.

First round matches

Eastern Conference

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Miami Heat
Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks
New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons
Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic

Western Conference

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies
Denver Nuggets vs LA Clippers
LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors

The best holiday destinations for 2025

Posted on by Harry Howes

The recent hot weather has got us all dreaming of summer, with the whole country desperate to turn on their ‘out of office’ and swap their laptops for sun, sea and cocktails.

Whether you’re planning on going away with your friends and family, have a work trip to organise or simply fancy a solo adventure, we’ve put together some of our favourite holiday destinations.

Barcelona

For those looking to combine a city break with a relaxing beach trip, destinations don’t get much more ideal than Barcelona. It’s one of the most vibrant cities in Spain, with so much to do – and it’s just a stone’s throw from some of the best beaches Europe has to offer.

Barcelona’s a city steeped in history and culture – visit the Sagrada Família, take a stroll down La Rambla and enjoy a sangria or two on the beach. And if you’re in a sporty mood, why not combine your trip with some live action?

Head to the Nou Camp to see Barcelona continue their quest for the La Liga title or head to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Spanish Grand Prix at the end of May. As part of Engage’s ROAM package, we’ll do the hard work for you by arranging accommodation, transfers and luxury hospitality at the iconic Formula One event.

Join us for a three night stay from Friday 30th May until Sunday 1st June – enquire today to reserve your place.

Paris

Just like Barcelona, Paris is perfect for a city break, although the weather is slightly more unpredictable. Known as the city of love, the French capital is ideal for a romantic weekend away with your other half – but don’t worry, there’s plenty to do once you’re bored of each other’s company.

If you can handle heights, a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower is always worth it for unrivalled views of the city. Plus, a river cruise down the Seine is the best way to see Paris’ essential landmarks, including the Louvre and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

It’s the home of football giants Paris Saint-Germain so sports fans can enjoy an evening of Ligue 1 or Champions League action. And for tennis lovers, why not time your trip to coincide with the French Open at Roland-Garros, which gets underway at the end of May?

Milan

Versatile holiday destinations don’t get much better than Milan. By using the Italian city as a base, you’ll be able to have multiple holidays in one. Explore the city to enjoy the shopping scene and historical landmarks including the stunning Duomo di Milano.

Then if you fancy something a bit different from the city culture, you can hop on a train to the stunning lakes. Both Lake Como and Lake Garda are just a short train ride away and offer picturesque views, with countless beautiful little towns to spend the day getting lost in, including Como and Bellagio.

Plus, if you time your trip right, you can make the most of the other ROAM holiday package we have to offer. This September, we’re offering Engage customers the chance to join us for three nights in Lake Como to enjoy the Italian Grand Prix at Autodromo Nazionale Monza. Enquire today to reserve your place.

New York

If you fancy getting out of Europe, why not consider New York? You can get to the Big Apple in around seven hours from the UK, meaning a short trip is just about manageable with minimal jet lag. It’s one of the most popular destinations on the planet for a reason, with plenty to see, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park and Times Square.

As well as all the local landmarks, there’s also plenty of sport to enjoy. There’s something for everyone, whether you fancy watching the US Open at Flushing Meadows in August, taking in some baseball watching the New York Yankees, enjoying some hoops with the New York Knicks or getting your NFL fix with the New York Giants.

Singapore

As we continue on the theme of combining holiday destinations with sporting events, there are so many to choose from on the Formula One calendar, including Las Vegas, Brazil, Mexico and Monaco. If you’re in the mood for somewhere a bit different, why not consider Singapore?

The Singapore Grand Prix takes place in October, which will give you some much-needed sun when the UK summer heat has well and truly disappeared. A trip to Singapore will open you up to a brand-new culture, offer incredible new food opportunities and can be used as a springboard for a wider Asian trip, with Malaysia and Indonesia close by.

The Michelin-Starred Chefs at Engage Events

Posted on by Harry Howes

If you’ve ever joined us in one of our hospitality facilities, you’ll know that the food is always second to none. That’s because we work with some of the best chefs around, offering delicious bespoke menus.

This summer, we’re heading back to the Henley Royal Regatta and we’re delighted to be working with two of the finest chefs on the planet. Both Angela Hartnett and Tommy Banks will be providing the meals in our hospitality suites during the iconic event.

So, as we look forward to yet another unforgettable week in Oxfordshire, we thought we’d take a closer look at our two guest chefs.

Angela Hartnett

A protege of Gordon Ramsay, Angela has become a household name in British cuisine and can often be found cooking up a storm on our television screens. She was previously Chef-Patron at Angela Hartnett at the Connaught in London and is now Chef-Patron in several places, including Murano in Mayfair and Café Murano in St James’s, Covent Garden and Bermondsey, as well as at Cucina Angelina in France.

She earned her first Michelin star way back in 2004 and hasn’t looked back since. Angela’s first TV appearance came during the maiden series of Hell’s Kitchen on ITV. Since then, she’s been on countless shows, including MasterChef, Kitchen Criminals, Take on the Takeaway, Tomorrow’s Food and Best Home Cook.

Angela is also an OBE and hosts the Waitrose podcast Dish alongside legendary radio DJ Nick Grimshaw. An incredible chef and even better personality, she’ll be joining us at the Royal Henley Regatta and you’ll be able to sample her food by joining us in our ICON facility on days two and three of the event.

She’s designed a bespoke four-course lunch menu that will ensure the food matches the views and atmosphere of the day. As well as the delicious meal and exciting rowing action, by joining us in our ICON facility you’ll also be able to enjoy all of this:

●    Complimentary bar including wines, champagne, spirits, beers and soft drinks
●    Champagne and canapé reception
●    Traditional afternoon tea
●    Riverside Boat Cruise
●    Live DJ and saxophonist
●    Complimentary race programme
●    Car parking passes
●    ICON ambassadors
●    Private garden area
●    Barista service

Enquire today to reserve your place.

Tommy Banks

As well as Angela Hartnett, we’ll also be working with another Michelin-starred chef at the Henley Royal Regatta. We’re delighted that Tommy Banks will be joining us on Saturday 5th July to offer a five-course tasting experience.

Having first come from a farming background, Tommy learned to cook at the age of 17 when his parents bought The Black Swan pub and restaurant in Oldstead, North Yorkshire, that he still owns. He learned his trade by volunteering in several Michelin-starred restaurants and The Black Swan earned its first star in 2012.

A year later, he took over as head chef and aged 24 he became the youngest chef to hold a Michelin star when the restaurant retained its status. He’s made plenty of TV appearances and he won the BBC show Great British Menu in 2016.

Like Angela, he’s a regular guest on shows such as Saturday Kitchen and Sunday Brunch. Tommy was also the co-host of The Big Family Cooking Showdown, while he’s also since returned to Great British Menu as a judge.

The multi-award winning-winning chef will be hosting an unmissable experience, talking guests through his illustrious career and innovative cooking techniques before serving a delicious five-course feast alongside paired wines. Plus, by taking advantage of our hospitality offering, you’ll also be able to enjoy all this:

●    Champagne reception
●    Complimentary bar including paired wines, champagne, spirits, beers and soft drinks
●    Tommy Banks afternoon tea
●    Live DJ and saxophonist throughout the day
●    Complimentary race programme
●    Car parking passes
●    Private garden area
●    Barista service

The Henley Royal Regatta is set to be an incredible week and as well as our Angela Hartnett and Tommy Banks experiences, we’re also offering private chalets, river cruises and tables in our Temple Island restaurant.

Get in touch today to reserve your place.

The ultimate guide to the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show

Posted on by Harry Howes

Spring is officially here! The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and the organisers of the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show are working around the clock to bring us yet another showpiece event.

Once again, the Royal Horticultural Society is putting on a five-day flower extravaganza, celebrating the best gardeners, flower arrangers and all round green-fingered experts on the planet.

The event has been a British tradition since the 1860s, before it was officially named the Chelsea Flower Show back in 1912. Since then, it has grown into a global phenomenon, with thousands of people flocking to Kensington each year and even more enjoying it on TV.

As well as showing off incredible displays of horticultural excellence, the show also offers tips to budding gardeners, with demonstrations on how to make the most from your outdoor space, whether it’s a balcony or a smaller garden.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a gardener with 50 years of experience or you’ve never even picked up a pair of gardening gloves, there really is something for everyone to enjoy at the Chelsea Flower Show.

There are plenty of awards to be handed out across the week. Gardeners putting on displays can be awarded Gold, Silver-gilt, Silver or Bronze in each of the categories. Apart from feature gardens, all gardens at the show are judged, including exhibits in the Great Pavilion.

As well as the judged categories, there are also the People’s Choice Awards each year. Visitors can vote for their favourite gardens as they wander round the event, with three categories for the public to vote in.

When is the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show?

This year’s event gets underway on Tuesday 20th May, running for five days until the weekend. The first two days are only for RHS members, with the public allowed to buy tickets from day three.

●    Day 1 – Tuesday 20th May
●    Day 2 – Wednesday 21st May
●    Day 3 – Thursday 22nd May
●    Day 4 – Friday 23rd May
●    Day 5 – Saturday 24th May

Hospitality at the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show

As the Chelsea Flower Show is such a glamorous, high-profile event, we’re proud to offer a range of hospitality packages that allow our guests to enjoy the festivities in style. You’ll be able to enjoy a day of taking in the stunning displays before indulging in delicious food, complimentary drinks and plenty more.

We offer two different hospitality options, one of which is in the morning, with the other available in the afternoon and evening.

Spring Meridian

Our daytime package is for guests arriving first thing in the morning and keeps you entertained throughout the day. As well as access to the Chelsea Flower Show, you’ll be able to enjoy all of this:

●    Light breakfast with brunch cocktails
●    Four-course lunch
●    Afternoon tea with Spanish small plates in the garden
●    Garden bar including Champagne and hand-crafted cocktails
●    Barista coffee
●    Live entertainment including pianist and live band
●    Live event artist and flower crown experiences
●    Show programme
●    Private cloakroom

Spring Nocturne

For those arriving a little bit later, our Spring Nocturne facility is open until late in the evening and you’ll be able to make the most of all this:

●    Champagne and canapé reception
●    Four-course dinner
●    Bar snacks
●    Garden fromagerie station with paired wines
●    Garden bar including Champagne and hand-crafted cocktails
●    Live entertainment from roaming band
●    Live event artist and flower crown experiences
●    Show programme
●    Private cloakroom

Chelsea Flower Show dress code

With lots of walking around expected, the dress code isn’t overly formal in order to keep guests comfortable. A smart-casual look with a combination of polished garments and casual elements is ideal.

With guests often treading across grass, we’d recommend ladies don’t wear stiletto heels to avoid getting caught in the ground.

How to get there

The Chelsea Flower Show takes place in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, right next to the banks of the River Thames. It’s easily accessible from anywhere in London, with Sloane Square the closest underground station. It’s on the Circle and District lines and is around a 10 minute walk away.

Victoria is the closest mainline train station and is just a short bus journey away. If you’re planning on driving, we recommend pre-booking a parking spot in Battersea Park, which is just the other side of the Thames. You’ll then be able to take the shuttle bus that runs all day. The bus is also open to those not using the car park.

And if you’re planning on dressing to impress, why not go full James Bond and arrive by boat? Uber Boat and Thames Clipper services run throughout the day, with drop-offs at Cadogan Pier and Battersea Power Station.


Who will win this season’s FA Cup?

Posted on by Harry Howes

After eight months of action, 745 entrants and 741 matches, we have this season’s four FA Cup semi-finalists. Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest all have a day out at Wembley to look forward to later this month.

They’ll all be hoping to be back at the iconic venue for the final on Saturday 17th May – but there can only be one winner. Following yet another exciting weekend of cup football, we’ve taken a closer look at each of the final four.

FA Cup quarter-final results

Saturday 29th March

Fulham 0-3 Crystal Palace
Brighton and Hove Albion 0-0 Nottingham Forest (Forest won 4-3 on penalties)

Sunday 30th March

Preston North End 0-3 Aston Villa
Bournemouth 1-2 Manchester City

FA Cup Hospitality

Enquire Now

Aston Villa look to end trophy drought

Villa as a club are established winners in this competition, with seven titles, but their last one came way back in 1957. They reached the final in 2015 but were roundly humbled by Arsenal in a 4-0 defeat.

They’ll be desperate to win their first major trophy since 1996 as they look to continue their incredible resurgence of the last few years. Since Unai Emery took charge, they’ve established themselves back at the top table of English football and have a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon.

If they can get through that, the FA Cup will feel insignificant in comparison, although they’ll still have dreams of going all the way. They eased past Preston on Sunday, winning 3-0 thanks to Marcus Rashford’s first two goals in Villa colours.

While Palace in the semis won’t be easy, they now possess players with a history of stepping up in big games. As well as Rashford, the likes of Marco Asensio, Emi Martinez and Ollie Watkins have experience in high-profile situations.

Meanwhile, Youri Tielemans knows the FA Cup like the back of his hand, having struck the winner as Leicester beat Chelsea in the 2021 final.

Crystal Palace dream of first ever major trophy

Fans of Crystal Palace are getting used to FA Cup days out at Wembley, although they’re yet to see their side lift the famous trophy. They suffered heartbreak in 2016 when Manchester United came from behind to beat them in the 2016 final, 26 years after their last Wembley meeting.

Patrick Vieira guided the Eagles to the semi-finals in his first season three years ago, but he was unable to find a way to beat Chelsea. Yet things feel different this time, with proven winner Oliver Glasner at the helm.

The Austrian is no stranger to silverware, having masterminded Europa League success with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022. And with Palace on a run that’s seen them win 10 of their last 12 games, they’re hitting form just at the right time.

They brushed Fulham aside with ease in their quarter-final clash on Saturday to set up a semi-final against Aston Villa. And while Unai Emery’s side is packed with quality and will likely be favourites, Palace have already beaten them twice this season, including a 4-1 thumping in February.

Can Manchester City rescue their season with an FA Cup win?

It’s been a strange season for many reasons, not least because Manchester City only have one trophy on their radar. They’re out of the Champions League and their title hopes are long gone, meaning the FA Cup is their only chance of silverware this season.

They’re also not guaranteed a Champions League spot this season, meaning the next few weeks could be pivotal for Pep Guardiola’s side. They’ve endured an uncharacteristically poor campaign, thanks to a combination of disappointing individual performances and injuries.

Former talisman Kevin De Bruyne has struggled for fitness and has been far from his best when available. Meanwhile, the likes of Phil Foden and Jack Grealish haven’t delivered, while Rodri has spent much of the campaign sidelined.

In previous years, City would be the odds-on favourites to go all the way in the FA Cup based on the semi-final line-up. But with a tricky test against Forest followed by either Villa or Palace, they’ll have to be at their very best to guarantee their eighth FA Cup.

Will Nottingham Forest’s dream season continue?

It’s fitting that it’s April Fools’ Day because if you’d have told Nottingham Forest’s fans at the start of the season they’d be fighting for a Champions League spot and an FA Cup on 1st April, most of them would have laughed in your face.

Yet remarkably, that’s where they find themselves as we approach the business end of an astonishing season for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. They edged into the semi-finals with their third consecutive FA Cup penalty shootout win, this time getting the better of Brighton.

And they find themselves third in the Premier League, five points clear of Chelsea in fourth. Their resilient defence combined with their energetic, pacey attack has seen them blow sides away this year, while Chris Wood has been rolling back the years up top.

The New Zealand international is set for a spell on the sidelines but Forest will feel they have adequate cover and fear nobody, particularly semi-final opponents Man City. They beat them in their last meeting just a few weeks ago and with City far from their best this season, it really will be anyone’s game when they meet at Wembley.

Guinness Men’s Six Nations: France pip England to title on dramatic final day

Posted on by Harry Howes

After a thrilling few weeks of rugby, the Guinness Men’s Six Nations is over for another year. On a dramatic final day, France were crowned champions as they ended their incredible tournament with a convincing win over Scotland.

England did everything they could to put the pressure on by thumping Wales but it wasn’t quite enough in the end. Meanwhile, Ireland also ended their campaign with a win as they came out on top in their clash with Italy.

Guinness Men’s Six Nations Table

TeamPlayedWonDrawLostPoints DifferenceBonusPoints
1France5401125521
2England540174420
3Ireland540118319
4Scotland5203-16311
5Italy5104-8215
6Wales5005-11933

Ireland bow out with win in Italy

Italy 17-22 Ireland

While Ireland started the day with hopes of securing a third successive Guinness Men’s Six Nations title, it was never likely considering the form of England and France. Yet on St Patrick’s Day weekend, there was positivity as a narrow win over Italy put Ireland top of the table, at least temporarily.

Having looked like champions elect for much of the last month, Ireland’s dramatic defeat at home to France last week took the wind out of their sails. And they weren’t at their dominant best in Rome, despite eventually getting the job done.

Monty Ioane opened the scoring as his try put Italy into the lead after 12 minutes. But after a shaky start, Ireland recovered and led at the break thanks to tries from Hugo Keenan and Dan Sheehan.

Italy made things harder for themselves after the break when Ross Vintcent was shown a red card for a high hit on Keenan. And the man advantage allowed Sheehan to complete a hat-trick and secure Ireland the win.

All good things must come to an end and while Ireland’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations dominance is over for now, you can guarantee they’ll be back even stronger next year as they look to win back their crown.

England put woeful Wales to the sword

Wales 14-68 England

Ahead of their final game in Cardiff, England’s mission was clear: win the match and put the pressure on France. Their Guinness Men’s Six Nations fate was not in their hands and they needed Scotland to do them a favour later that evening.

While France ultimately had the final say, England did everything they could, and in some style. Wales had been on a run of 16 consecutive defeats and in front of a roaring home crowd, they would have felt that they could turn things around against their noisy neighbours.

But Maro Itoje soon put an end to that as the experienced lock opened the scoring in the third minute. Wales thought they were back in it through a spectacular Blair Murray try but after it was disallowed, England took advantage and raced into a 33-7 half-time lead.

And they didn’t take their foot off the gas in the second half as they ran away with it, ending the game with an incredible 10 tries. Two of those came from debutant Henry Pollock, who enjoyed a dream first outing for the national side.

For England, it was an incredible afternoon and while it ultimately didn’t end with the Guinness Men’s Six Nations trophy, it certainly gives them huge hope going forward. But for Wales, the inquest now begins.

Warren Gatland left his role as coach midway through the competition and others may follow. Wales’ last Test win came way back in October 2023 and after claiming their second successive wood spoon, who knows when their next one will come.

France see off Scotland to win Guinness Men’s Six Nations

France 35-16 Scotland

With France’s clash against Scotland coming last on the final day, they knew they only needed to win to be crowned champions. Their superior points difference meant that a bonus point wasn’t even necessary, which took the pressure off.

But rather than win ugly, France did what France so often do and scored four tries as they raced into the history books. The champions ended the competition with 30 tries, breaking the record England set way back in 2001.

Eight of those tries came from Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who equalled the all-time single-season championship record. France claimed their second Guinness Men’s Six Nations title in four years, having last won it back in 2022.

Yet while the final result makes it seem like a walk in the park, it was anything but easy in the first half. Scotland battled well and only Thomas Ramos’ late penalty separated the two sides at the break.

England may well have been rubbing their hands at that point but it was short-lived, with Bielle-Biarrey’s early second-half try putting France back in the ascendancy. A Finn Russell penalty earned Scotland’s only points in the second half, which allowed France to comfortably take the points and secure their seventh title since the competition expanded to six nations.

The biggest music festivals to look forward to in 2025

Posted on by Harry Howes

Dust off your tent and get your novelty flags ordered – festival season is nearly back! The British summer wouldn’t be the same without a weekend of camping, sunshine (or rain!) and some incredible live music.

There are so many festivals to look forward to and with the line-ups slowly being released, we’ve put together a guide to the best ones.

Glastonbury

Dates: Wednesday 25th to Sunday 29th June

The greatest music festival on the planet returns to Somerset this summer, with thousands of lucky ticket holders set to flock to the southwest of England in June. Despite tickets selling out months in advance, the full line-up was only released last week.

The 1975, Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo have been announced as the headliners, although the trio have all appeared at the festival before. Neil Young tore up the Pyramid Stage back in 2009 and he’ll be joined by his new band The Chrome Hearts this time around.

Meanwhile, The 1975 will be making their fourth appearance at Glastonbury, having previously appeared in 2013, 2014 and 2016. It’s also not the first time at Worthy Farm for Olivia Rodrigo. The American sensation appeared on the Other Stage three years ago.

This year’s line-up is packed with superstars, with the likes of Rod Stewart, Loyle Carner, Biffy Clyro, Charli XCX, Raye and The Prodigy also set to perform.

Reading and Leeds

Dates: Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th August

While Glastonbury routinely steals the show each summer, Reading and Leeds are never too far behind. The iconic festivals traditionally share a line-up across the August bank holiday and they’ve had some huge names perform in recent years, including Liam Gallagher, Lana Del Rey, Arctic Monkeys and Sam Fender.

They’ve continued that trend this year, with Hozier, Chappell Roan, Bring Me The Horizon and Travis Scott announced as the headliners. As well as those huge names, fans will be excited to see the likes of D-Block Europe, Bloc Party, The Kooks and loads more yet to be confirmed.

Isle of Wight

Dates: Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd June

For festival fans not on the mainland, or those that fancy hopping on a ferry for a weekend break, then the Isle of Wight Festival is for you. Having started back in the 1960s, it was revived in 2002 and has seen the likes of The Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse, Fleetwood Mac and Paul McCartney headline the main stage.

The superstar names keep on coming this year, with Sting, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake set to close each night of the weekend. And that’s not all because ticket holders can enjoy sets from Faithless, The Script, Paul Heaton, Jess Glynne and plenty more.

BST Hyde Park

Dates: Friday 27th, Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June, Friday 4th, Saturday 5th, Sunday 6th, Friday 11th and Sunday 13th July

If you don’t like the idea of sleeping in a tent and having to face the dreaded festival toilets, there are countless day festivals in London to enjoy instead. BST Hyde Park gets bigger and better every year, with incredible line-ups across a few weekends in June and July.

After rocking the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, both Olivia Rodrigo and Neil Young will be performing in the capital. Plus, after an incredible year, Sabrina Carpenter is set to wow her British fans with two unmissable performances in Hyde Park.

There are also shows to look forward to from Zach Bryan, Noah Kahan and Jeff Lynne’s ELO and you can enjoy them all in style with Engage’s exclusive hospitality packages.

Hampton Court Palace Festival

Dates: Wednesday 11th to Saturday 21st June

Why not combine your festival experience with some essential British history? Enjoy some of the best acts around at Hampton Court Palace Festival, where you can take a stroll around Henry VIII’s stunning former gardens before enjoying some live music.

Once again, we’ll be offering hospitality at this incredible festival, where you can make the most of exclusive food and drinks packages while taking in a show from some of the best acts around.

Among the headliners this year are Tom Jones, Gary Barlow, Elbow and Rag’n’Bone Man. Plus, you can also see performances from Chaka Khan, James, Bananarama, The Good, The Bad and The Rugby and 10CC.

Henley Festival

Dates: Wednesday 9th to Sunday 13th July

Swap your muddy wellies for your tux at the classiest music festival around. The Henley Festival is a black-tie event, with the headliners performing on the iconic Floating Stage upon the Thames.

Enjoy music, comedy and art, with some of the biggest acts around. This year’s headliners include Diana Ross, McFly, Rick Astley and Jamie Cullum. Meanwhile, if you’d like a laugh, head to the comedy tent to enjoy sets from Ivo Graham, Ed Byrne and Alastair McGowan.

We offer bespoke hospitality packages to suit your needs, providing you with exclusive access to the festival, food and drinks packages, plus loads more. Enquire today to reserve your place.

Guinness Men’s Six Nations: France, England, Ireland and Scotland in four-way title fight

Posted on by Harry Howes

The Guinness Men’s Six Nations returned with a bang at the weekend, blowing the title race wide open ahead of the final round of fixtures. Following France’s triumphant win in Ireland, they’re now in the driving seat.

But we’re set for a weekend full of twists and turns, with four nations still in with a mathematical chance of lifting the trophy. England need Scotland to do them a favour against France – they take on Wales, who look set to pick up a second consecutive wooden spoon.

Who can still win the Guinness Men’s Six Nations?

France
The French last won the Guinness Men’s Six Nations back in 2022 and they’re now the firm favourites to lift the trophy. They’re currently top of the table and will be guaranteed to win if they beat Scotland with a bonus point in the final game of the weekend.

They can also win without a bonus point and even if they lose or draw, provided England and Ireland fail to get maximum points and don’t catch their hefty points difference.

England
England need rivals Scotland to help them out by beating France – they’ll claim the championship for the first time since 2020 if they win with a bonus point and France fail to win.

Drawing or losing with bonus points could also secure them the title if France and Ireland both lose. If England finish level on points with France, they’ll need to beat them on points difference, although France currently have an 86-point lead.

Ireland
Ireland slipped to third in the table following their defeat to France, but they still have a chance of securing their third consecutive title. They need to beat Italy with a bonus point and hope France and England both fail to win.

Scotland
It’s been 26 years since Scotland’s last title and they’ll likely have to wait even longer for their next one – although they still have a very slim chance this year.

They need to beat France with a bonus point while also surpassing them on points difference, with the gap currently at 103 points. Plus, they also need England and Ireland to lose.

Guinness Men’s Six Nations Table

TeamPlayedWonDrawLostPoints DifferenceBonusPoints
1France4301106416
2England430120315
3Ireland430113214
4Scotland42023311
5Italy4103-7704
6Wales4004-6533

France beat Ireland to race into pole position

Ireland 27-42 France

Rewind a couple of weeks and Ireland were sitting pretty at the top of the table, dreaming of a second Grand Slam in three years. But they came unstuck against a resolute France at the weekend and now find themselves third in the table.

A low-scoring first half saw France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey score the only try before the break. Dan Sheehan got one back for Ireland two minutes after half-time, which set the tone for a frantic second half.

An end-to-end second period saw seven tries in total, with France edging the scoring thanks to a confident kicking display from Thomas Ramos. They now welcome Scotland to Paris and may have the title all but won before kick-off, with their clash coming last.

But they’ll sorely miss talisman Antoine Dupont, who left the field with a serious knee injury against Ireland. And convincing bonus point wins from England and Ireland will crank up the pressure, which could see France struggle.

Wooden spoon looms for Wales after defeat in Scotland

Scotland 35-29 Wales

Wales will have travelled to Scotland thinking it might finally be their week after they suffered their 15th consecutive defeat against Ireland last time out. But a 16th defeat was inevitable after Scotland blew them away before the break, racing into a 28-8 half-time lead.

Despite their poor start, Warren Gatland’s half-time team talk clearly had some impact as they were much improved after the break and scored three tries to make the score respectable.

But Scotland’s lead was unassailable by then and they ultimately ran out comfortable winners. For Wales, they’re set for another wooden spoon. Meanwhile, Scotland will be dreaming of the title – they still mathematically have a chance of winning, however unlikely it may be.

England dream of title as they see off Italy

England 47-24 Italy

England started as they meant to go on against Italy as Tom Willis opened the scoring with a try in the third minute. However, despite an impressive second-half display, Italy didn’t initially make it too easy.

The visitors pegged them back twice in the first half, before Ollie Sleightholme went over for a third to give England a four-point advantage at the break. And once they stepped out for the second half, there was only going to be one winner.

England were imperious at Twickenham, scoring three tries in the opening 12 minutes of the second half. The impressive performance was capped off by a seventh try from Ben Earl right at the death.

Steve Borthwick’s side showed that they mean business as they take the title fight to the final weekend. They’ll expect to get past Wales, and then face a nervous wait as France take on Scotland in the final game of a busy Saturday.

Guinness Men’s Six Nations week five fixtures

Italy v Ireland – Saturday 15th March, 14:15
Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Wales v England – Saturday 15th March, 16:45
Principality Stadium, Cardiff

France v Scotland – Saturday 15th March, 20:00
Stade de France, Paris

int(174)