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Author: Harry Howes

Oasis Live ‘25: Everything you need to know

Posted on by Harry Howes

After years of rumours, speculation, hopes, dreams and prayers, it’s finally happening. Long-time feuding brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher have settled their differences – Oasis are back!

The iconic band have announced a reunion tour next summer, with at least 17 shows in the UK and Ireland before an as yet unannounced worldwide tour. Tickets went on sale over the weekend and fans are desperately hoping the band will announce more dates after thousands were left empty-handed due to the incredible demand.

2024 marked the 30-year anniversary of Oasis’ incredible debut album Definitely Maybe and fans will have the opportunity to hear the band’s greatest hits from the record live for the first time in 16 years, including ‘Live Forever’ and ‘Supersonic’, as well as classic anthems from other albums such as ‘Wonderwall’, ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ and ‘Champagne Supernova’.

After many fallouts, the group split for good in 2009 and both brothers embarked on their own solo adventures. The pair often sing Oasis tracks at their own gigs but fans have been desperate to hear the siblings perform together again.

It’s finally happening, with gigs across the UK and Ireland, and you could watch them from the best seats in the house. With hospitality options available at all venues, including our exclusive ICON facility at Wembley Stadium, you can enjoy the gigs in style. Enquire today to find out more.

When are Oasis playing in 2025?

Oasis have so far announced 17 dates in the UK and Ireland next year, with their reunion tour getting underway in Cardiff. They’ll then play five hometown gigs at Heaton Park in Manchester before heading to the capital for another five dates at London’s Wembley Stadium.

The UK and Ireland tour is currently set to end with three nights in Edinburgh and a further two in Dublin, although with many empty dates left in July and August, there’s still the possibility that they could announce more.

Cardiff, Principality Stadium

Friday 4th July, 2025
Saturday 5th July, 2025

Manchester, Heaton Park

Friday 11th July, 2025
Saturday 12th July, 2025
Wednesday 16th July, 2025
Saturday 19th July, 2025
Sunday 20th July, 2025

London, Wembley Stadium

Friday 25th July. 2025
Saturday 26th July, 2025
Wednesday 30th July, 2025
Saturday 2nd August, 2025
Sunday 3rd August, 2025

Edinburgh, Murrayfield Stadium

Friday 8th August, 2025
Saturday 9th August, 2025
Tuesday 12th August, 2025

Dublin, Croke Park

Saturday 16th August, 2025
Sunday 17th August, 2025

Who could be supporting Oasis?

Obviously an Oasis reunion wouldn’t work without both Liam and Noel. The brothers were part of the original line-up that first started playing together in 1991. The Oasis members changed several times throughout their original period and another of their founding members looks set to be part of the return.

Guitarist Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs is also expected to be part of the reunion line-up. Bonehead co-founded the band but eventually left in 1999 in order to spend more time with his family. Since then he’s performed with Liam on his solo projects and with his band Beady Eye.

Alan White has also teased he could be set for a return. The drummer replaced Tony McCarroll in 1995 and was part of the band for nine years. White posted a cryptic image of Oasis’ famous swirly union jack drum kit on social media, fuelling speculation that he’ll be part of the reunion.

It remains unclear who else will be part of the band, with some suggestions that it could be made up of members of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. However, as it’s such a momentous event in music history, we’re almost guaranteed to see a selection of guest stars throughout the tour.

Who is in the band?

There have been plenty of rumours about who could support the band on their tour. Oasis have got so many friends in the industry and it’s such a huge occasion that they could pretty much invite whoever they like to open for them.

Nobody is confirmed yet but there have been whispers that the support acts could be different for each location. Blossoms have been heavily linked with playing at the Manchester shows. The Stockport band teased the Oasis return at one of their gigs before the reunion was officially announced.

Meanwhile, Welsh group Manic Street Preachers would be an obvious choice for the Cardiff dates. Kasabian have been a long-time support act for Liam and their long list of well-known hits combined with their high-energy performances make them the perfect act to warm up the crowd.

Fontaines DC have also been linked following their huge rise in recent years, while the likes of Inhaler, The Maccabees and The View have also been mentioned. And if Liam and Noel can put their differences aside, perhaps Oasis might extend an olive branch to old rivals Blur, who also made a comeback last year with their first album since 2015.

ICON Legends – Andy Murray – Tennis Titan

Posted on by Harry Howes

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Andy Murray said farewell to Wimbledon in an emotional TV interview with Sue Barker last month. This summer, the 37-year-old called time on an incredible career that has seen him win three Grand Slams.

Murray is without doubt the greatest British tennis player of the modern era, if not of all time, and his phenomenal triumphs were rewarded with a knighthood back in 2016. He spent a grand total of 41 weeks as world number one and has claimed the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award a record three times.

So, it’s only right that we bestow the greatest honour upon Murray as we look back on his achievements by inducting him into our ICON hall of fame.

Wimbledon winner

Murray suffered heartbreak in the 2012 Wimbledon final as he lost to Roger Federer. After coming so close, he was determined to finally secure a home Grand Slam win the following year.

Ahead of the 2013 tournament, he was unbeaten on grass since the previous final, winning 11 consecutive matches. Murray strolled to the quarter-finals, reaching the final eight without dropping a set. He was also handed a boost that Federer and Rafael Nadal both suffered early exits from the competition.

But in the quarter-finals, disaster struck as he found himself two sets down against Fernando Verdasco. It looked to be another year of heartache but, no doubt spurred on by the result 12 months before, Murray launched an extraordinary comeback to secure a win in five sets.

He came back from another set down to beat Jerzy Janowicz in the semis to become the first British man since 1938 to reach the final and set up a centre court showdown with Novak Djokovic. The Serbian was the hot favourite going into the clash and already had five Grand Slam titles to his name.

However, Murray refused to let the pressure affect his performance and he won his 18th grass match in a row to win the Wimbledon title. Three years later, he repeated the feat, winning in straight sets against Milos Raonic to secure his third major title.

Gold star Murray

A year before Murray’s heroic maiden Wimbledon win, he was inconsolable on the court as he lost in the final to Federer. The Scot was determined to make amends and, luckily for him, the pair would meet again just a few weeks later.

Murray returned to Wimbledon to compete for Team GB at London 2012. While he won a silver medal alongside Laura Robson in the mixed doubles, it was in the singles competition where he really strutted his stuff.

He lost just one set on the way to the final and, typically, it was Federer that stood in the way of a gold medal. Buoyed by the disappointment of their meeting a few weeks earlier, he lost just seven games as he beat the Swiss in straight sets.

Murray’s triumph saw him become the first British man to win gold in more than 100 years and four years later he did it all again. After jetting off to Rio to defend his crown, he saw off Juan Martin del Potro to become the first ever person to win two singles gold medals in tennis.

After making such a name for himself in the Olympics, it was fitting that Murray’s final tournament came in Paris at this summer’s games. He withdrew from the singles but he teamed up with old pal Dan Evans in the doubles and the pair managed to reach the quarter-finals.

Taking on the golden era

You could argue that had Murray been born in a different era, he’d have far more major titles to his name. Unfortunately for him, it was bad luck that he happened to peak at the same time as three of the best players ever to grace the sport.

He lost his first four major finals – three to Federer and one to Djokovic – before securing his first Grand Slam by beating Djokovic to claim the US Open in 2012. In doing so, Murray became the first British major singles winner since Virginia Wade in 1977, and the first male since Fred Perry 41 years prior to that.

All of Murray’s Grand Slam final defeats came at the hands of either Federer or Djokovic, while Nadal was never given the opportunity. Murray lost 56 of his matches against the rest of the ‘big four’, which demonstrates just how strong they were.

Yet the fact he managed to win 29 matches in an era of such dominance was testament to just how good he was in his pomp. While the final few years of Murray’s career were blighted by injury, there’s no doubting that on his day he was one of the most exciting players to ever pick up a racket and he’ll be a huge loss to the sport.

England’s new-look Test side target unbeaten summer

Posted on by Harry Howes

After struggling on tour in India earlier this year, it was clear that something needed to change for England’s Test side. Luckily for us, the guys in charge have no fear when it comes to shaking things up.

England have become famous for their all-action, aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach in recent years and after packing their squad with young and hungry stars this year, they’re finally reaping the benefits.

England sweep West Indies aside

In the first of England’s summer Test series, Ben Stokes’ side came up against the West Indies in three matches and ultimately taught them a cricketing lesson, with the first game coming at Lord’s.

Gus Atkinson produced a masterclass with the ball, wowing the fans at the home of cricket with 7/45 and then 5/61 as he was awarded ‘Player of the Match’. England ran out clear winners, beating their opponents by an entire innings and 114 runs.

Atkinson was less impressive with the bat as he was out for a duck but luckily his teammates were on form, with Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith all hitting half-centuries. For the visitors, Gudakesh Motie’s unbeaten 31 was his side’s highest score in a disappointing team performance.

The West Indies improved for the second Test at Trent Bridge, although they still weren’t great. Pope, who was later made captain ahead of the Sri Lanka series, proved his leadership qualities as he stepped up with a strong performance.

The 26-year-old scored an impressive 121 in the first innings, following it up with a half century in the second. The West Indies managed to get more runs on the board, including a big 120 from Kavem Hodge, but five wickets from Shoaib Bashir secured England their second win on the spin.

And with the series already wrapped up ahead of the finale at Edgbaston, England continued to flourish. Atkinson secured ‘Player of the Series’ with another strong bowling performance, while Root and Smith strutted their stuff with huge knocks as the hosts won by 10 wickets.

England start strongly against Sri Lanka

Brendon McCullum’s preparation for the visit of Sri Lanka was far from ideal. Stokes was ruled out for the rest of the summer after tearing his hamstring in The Hundred, which led to Pope filling in as captain.

But it didn’t seem to bother England as they won the opening match at Old Trafford by five wickets. Sri Lanka looked to be just as poor as the West Indies as their opening five batsmen combined for just 47 runs but captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Milan Rathnayake saved face with scores of 70-plus apiece.

However, a century from Smith gave England a huge lead and despite big knocks from Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal, the hosts were never in danger and comfortably held on to start the series strongly.

The second Test gets underway at Lord’s on Thursday and England will be full of confidence as they target their fifth consecutive red-ball win. The series concludes at The Oval, with the third and final Test match starting on Friday 6th September.

Can ‘Bazball’ get the better of India?

England have got a busy end to 2024, with white-ball series against Australia and the West Indies, as well as trips to Pakistan and New Zealand for overseas Test matches. They’ll then take on India and the West Indies again in both T20 and ODI matches next year.

McCullum’s side have also scheduled a one-off Test match against Zimbabwe, which gets underway at Trent Bridge next May. That game will give a good indication of where England are before their biggest challenge of 2025 comes in the form of a home Test series against India.

They’ll kick things off in Headingley before heading to Edgbaston, Lord’s and Old Trafford, ahead of finishing the summer at The Oval as is tradition. And while they’re enjoying a strong run of form of late, India are a different beast altogether.

The two sides locked horns earlier this year and India ran out 4-1 winners in their home Test series. England’s bowling attack will still be having nightmares about Yashasvi Jaiswal, who averaged 89 as he scored a phenomenal 712 runs.

The scariest part about Jaiswal is that he’s still only 22, meaning his best years are still a long way ahead of him. For comparison, England’s highest scorer during the series was Crawley, who scored more than 300 runs fewer than the Indian superstar.

But a home series will be a different ball game for England’s players, who will be more used to the climate and the pitches that they face on a daily basis. The best part for McCullum is that we’ve got a year to work out our strongest team as we build towards the future.

This summer saw big changes take place, with James Anderson’s long international career coming to an end, while the likes of Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes lost their places in the squad. The England side was packed with untried players and, for the most part, they’ve more than repaid the faith shown in them.

Both Atkinson and Smith were uncapped before the West Indies series and they’ve been the standout players for England so far. Similarly, Bashir has more than played his part as the first-choice spinner. If McCullum can continue to perfect the balance between youth and experience, there’s no reason why they can’t get the better of India, just as they did back in 2018 when the hosts won the series 4-1.

Everything you need to know about Salon Privé Blenheim

Posted on by Harry Howes

Start your engines, car fans – it’s almost time for this year’s Salon Privé Blenheim!

Car lovers from near and far are set to flock to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire for a four-day celebration, which has been taking place for more than two decades. The prestigious event officially gets underway on Wednesday 28th August, culminating in the grand finale of ‘Supercar Saturday’.

If you’re planning on joining us, why not enjoy the week in style? With our exclusive hospitality packages, you can take a look at the best cars the world has to offer before taking advantage of a complimentary bar and gourmet food.

We have two different packages available – The Glass House and Spencer. Both offer delicious dining experiences, a champagne reception, afternoon tea and access to the gorgeous grounds of Blenheim Palace. Enquire today to reserve your place.

With beautiful cars, stunning surroundings and plenty of awards to look forward to, here’s everything you need to know about Salon Privé Blenheim.

‘MotorAvia’ – Tuesday 27th August

While Salon Privé Blenheim officially gets underway on the Wednesday, the fun actually kicks off the night before. Head to London Oxford Airport for a Jet Centre party where you’ll be able to see the best new aircraft from the likes of Boeing Business Jets, as well as the latest Bell helicopters.

Plus, you’ll be able to whet the appetite for the week ahead with a preview of the Concours cars. With a live DJ to keep attendees entertained as well as gourmet food and a bar, proceedings are guaranteed to get started in style.

Day 1 – Wednesday 28th August

The opening day of the prestigious event immediately gives the lucky guests an early view of the Concours cars. They’ll be able to meet the owners, find out more information about the vehicles and pick out their favourites ahead of the awards.

Later in the day, the Concours Awards Parade will take place and the awards will be handed out. As ever, if you take advantage of our exclusive hospitality packages, you’ll be able to enjoy the day with a glass of champagne or two and some incredible food.

Day 2 – Thursday 29th August

The fun continues on Thursday and while day one was all about the classic cars, the following day is all about supercars, with guests given the chance to see the brand-new models from the likes of Aston Martin, Lamborghini and Rolls Royce for the first time, to name just a few.

If that’s not enough, the awards continue on day two. You’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the Honorary Awards parade, plus you can enjoy the ‘Best of Show’ ceremony.

Day 3 – Friday 30th August

Salon Privé Blenheim is as classy as it comes and while all eyes will be on the cars, guests love to look at their best as well. Friday is all about style, with attendees traditionally expected to dust off their best threads and dress to impress.

Ladies are encouraged to wear elegant hats, headpieces or fascinators. While it’s not as prestigious as winning a Concours Award, some lucky fashionistas will be honoured in the traditional ‘Best Hat’ competition.

Day 4 – Saturday 31st August

Day four is the final day of the event but it is by no means the least. Dubbed ‘Supercar Saturday’, some of the finest automobiles on the planet will be spread across both the north and south lawns at Blenheim Palace.

In fact, more than 1,500 privately-owned sports, super and hyper cars will be on display for all the car enthusiasts to take a peak at. Plus, the Salon Privé club trophy will be paraded on the final day.

Salon Privé dress code

As Salon Privé Blenheim is a classy event, guests are expected to look presentable. However, the organisers also understand the need for comfort when walking around all day. Those in attendance should wear dressy yet relaxed clothes – there’s a desire for them to look sophisticated without being too formal.

Gentlemen are encouraged to wear a comfortable suit or a blazer with chinos. Ladies should don chic, comfortable daywear, with items including summer dresses, trousers and jumpsuits suggested. They’re also advised to avoid stiletto heels due to the gravel paths and lawns.

Women and guests dressed up colourfully at the Salon Prive at Blenheim Palace. Photography by Chris Cooper/ ShotAway/ www.ShotAway.com/ #shotawaydotcom

How to get there

Blenheim Palace is located in Woodstock, a town just eight miles from Oxford. For those driving, the palace is signposted from Junction 9 of the M40 – just take the A44 Evesham Road.

For those travelling by train, the closest railway station is Hanborough, which is just three miles away. Oxford and Bicester stations are also not too far away and both benefit from regular services from London Paddington and Marylebone.

The Biggest Concerts in 2025!

Posted on by Harry Howes

The summer of 2024 is almost over and we’re already looking forward to the huge concerts taking place next year. With some of the world’s most exciting stars set to perform in London, we’ve taken a look at the biggest concerts coming up in 2025.

Oasis are back in 2025!

In news that shocked the world, Oasis announced their comeback in 2025 as the Gallagher brothers put their feud to one side to reunite for a series of huge dates!

Beginning the tour in Wales, ‘Oasis Live’ then moves over to the brother’s hometown of Manchester for 4 showstopping nights at the 80,000 capacity Heaton Park.

The world famous Wembley Stadium then plays host to the tour, followed by more nights in the UK and Ireland, at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium and Croke Park in Dublin.

Coldplay back at Wembley in 2025

In 2025, Coldplay is set to light up Wembley Stadium with a series of 6 unforgettable concerts in the summer, a continuation of their Music of the Sphere’s Tour and a celebration of new album ‘Moon Music‘.

Known for their spectacular live shows, the band will bring their signature mix of anthemic hits, stunning visuals, and electrifying energy to one of the world’s most iconic venues.

Fans can expect a magical experience as Coldplay performs tracks from their latest album alongside beloved classics like “Fix You” and “Viva La Vida.” With a record of selling out stadiums worldwide, these Wembley concerts are sure to be a highlight of the year.

Rolling out the red carpet at the BRIT Awards in 2025!

In 2023 global superstars such as Dua LIpa, Kylie Minogu and RAYE were among the star-studded line up who took home some of the most prestigious awards in music, and The Brit Awards will be the biggest celebration of UK music once again in 2025.

Guaranteed to be as spectacular and as breath-taking as ever, the 32nd edition of the Brits will showcase the best of British as well as the diverse range of talent the industry has to offer, making it the number one place to be when the stars are rolled out on the red carpet again.

Fans across the world tune in every year to celebrate the headline acts, creating a joyous and unforgettable atmosphere throughout the ceremony.

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa has firmly established herself as one of the biggest stars in the world and she stole the show at Glastonbury earlier this year, headlining the prestigious Pyramid stage on the Friday night.

And if you weren’t able to see that iconic performance in the flesh, you’re in luck because she’s doing two dates at Wembley Stadium in London next summer, with a second show added due to overwhelming public demand.

This year, Dua Lipa released her highly anticipated third studio album, Radical Optimism, and is set to wow London audiences with top hits from the record, including fan favourites ‘Training Season’ and ‘Houdini’. It follows a highly successful tour of the album, which is set to continue with shows in America, Asia and a one-off special night at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

She’ll then be back in London in June with her headline Wembley shows, which you can enjoy from the best seats in the house with Engage’s exclusive hospitality packages.

Friday 20th June, 2025 – Wembley Stadium
Saturday 21st June, 2025 – Wembley Stadium

Sabrina Carpenter

Following in the footsteps of fellow pop sensation Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter has also enjoyed a breakthrough in recent years. The former Disney Channel star’s sixth studio album Short n’ Sweet became a global phenomenon in 2024.

The album’s lead track ‘Espresso’ is very much a fan favourite and her loyal followers in London will have the chance to hear it in person when she takes to the O2 stage in two shows next spring.

Carpenter has previously supported Taylor Swift on The Eras Tour and she’s now selling out shows of her own. If you fancy joining us for what promises to be two incredible nights, enquire today to book your place.

Saturday 8th March, 2025 – O2 Arena
Sunday 9th March, 2025 – O2 Arena

Billie Eilish

Another former Glastonbury headliner, Billie Eilish, is also gracing the O2 stage next summer with a six-night run. Aged just 20 at the time, she became the youngest-ever Pyramid Stage headliner two years ago and she’s gone from strength to strength ever since.

The ‘No Time To Die’ singer will be touring her third album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, which was released in May of this year. And after touring the US, Australia and Europe, she’ll be heading to the UK, with six shows at the O2 and several other nights in Glasgow and Manchester.

Thursday 10th July, 2025 – O2 Arena
Friday 11th July, 2025 – O2 Arena
Sunday 13th July, 2025 – O2 Arena
Monday 14th July, 2025 – O2 Arena
Wednesday 16th July, 2025 – O2 Arena
Thursday 17th July, 2025 – O2 Arena

Snow Patrol, James Blunt and Craig David

It’s not just female stars taking over London next year. The O2 Arena will also host a series of concerts from the likes of Snow Patrol, James Blunt and Craig David.

Northern Irish band Snow Patrol have been rocking out together for more than 30 years and their first album in six years is set to be released next month. They’ll be embarking on a UK and European tour to celebrate, with a night at the O2 in February.

Saturday 15th February, 2025 – O2 Arena

James Blunt will be on the same stage the following night as he celebrates the 20th anniversary of his debut album Back to Bedlam. Fans can enjoy a trip down memory lane as they sing along to classics including ‘You’re Beautiful’ and ‘Goodbye My Lover’.

Sunday 16th February, 2025 – O2 Arena

Meanwhile, completing the trio of throwback stars at the O2 will be Craig David. The singer shot to fame in 2000 with his album Born To Do It and he’s back on the road with his Commitment Tour.

Thursday 20th February, 2025 – O2 Arena

Glastonbury

It feels as though this year’s festival has only just finished but attention has already turned to next year’s Glastonbury. The 2024 edition saw iconic performances from the likes of Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA, and rumours have already begun circling about who will headline in a year’s time.

Taylor Swift has long been rumoured having previously been set to perform in 2020 before the festival was cancelled due to the pandemic. She’s enjoyed remarkable success in recent years and would undoubtedly draw record crowds if she were to grace the Pyramid Stage.

Meanwhile, the likes of Rihanna and Eminem have been reported, with both stars yet to perform at the festival. There has been plenty of talk regarding other huge acts, including Green Day, The Killers, Ed Sheeran and Olivia Rodrigo. However, for now the organisers remain tight-lipped and we’re unlikely to hear any confirmed news until later in the autumn.

Man City head to Chelsea as Liverpool face Premier League Opening Weekend banana skin

Posted on by Harry Howes

The wait is finally over – the Premier League is back tomorrow. It’s been almost three months since the end of last season and while we’ve had the Euros, Copa America and the Olympics to whet the appetite, there’s nothing quite like the weekly highs and lows of domestic football.

Ahead of an action-packed opening weekend, we’ve taken a closer look at some of the key clashes.

City start title defence against new-look Chelsea

Manchester City enter the new Premier League season with ambitions of winning their fourth consecutive title and their first step on that journey is a trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea. While there have been question marks over the long-term future of Kevin De Bruyne, City still have a star-studded squad despite the loss of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid.

The reigning champions head into their opening game as favourites but they’ll be wary of their west London counterparts. Chelsea are in the infancy of yet another new chapter, this time under Enzo Maresca, who previously spent a year learning his trade as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.

The Italian guided Leicester to promotion last season and faces a battle to get Chelsea back into the Champions League following their sixth-placed finish last time out. In true Chelsea fashion, they’ve splashed out again in the transfer market by bringing in nine new faces so far, including Pedro Neto from Wolves.

With such a huge squad to pick from, it’s hard to predict who will be selected to take on the might of City. Regardless of the other 10 players, one guaranteed starter is former City man Cole Palmer, who shone during his debut campaign at Chelsea as he scored 22 Premier League goals.

With the England star on their side, Chelsea will feel that they can take the game to anyone. But if their recent friendly is anything to go by, City should start their title defence with three points. The two sides met in a pre-season game across the pond earlier this month and two-time Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland reminded everyone of his class by smashing in a hat-trick in a 4-2 City win.

Potential banana skins for Liverpool and Spurs

While on paper they could be considered the easier fixtures, nobody wants to face a newly-promoted side on the opening weekend. The new kids on the block are an unknown quantity, eager to make an impression and still on a high from their promotion heroics in the previous campaign.

For Liverpool and Tottenham, they’ll have to navigate these early challenges and hope to get through unscathed. Jurgen Klopp will no doubt be laughing to himself on a beach somewhere that Liverpool have once again been dealt with the dreaded Saturday lunchtime kick-off.

Yet it’ll be no laughing matter for his replacement, Arne Slot, if he fails his audition against new boys Ipswich. Despite the changing of the guard, Liverpool have been remarkably quiet in the transfer market, bringing in no new faces so far.

And while Slot would have ideally liked some additions, he’ll be confident that his current squad can compete for now, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota firing in pre-season.

Ipswich impressed last year playing attacking football and they did well to keep hold of boss Kieran McKenna amid summer interest from more established clubs. The Tractor Boys are back in the top flight for the first time since 2002 and while they’ve strengthened well, they’ll be wary of being too bold and not having a ‘Plan B’ in certain games, which was ultimately Burnley’s downfall last year.

Elsewhere, Spurs travel to another promoted side in Leicester. Meetings between the two sides have traditionally been high scoring, with at least four goals in each of the last five matches.

There may well be goals in this clash. Tottenham caught the eye with their attacking play under Ange Postecoglu last season and they’ve bolstered their attacking ranks by splashing out on Dominic Solanke. Meanwhile, Leicester scored 89 goals on the way to the Championship title and have made smart additions up top.

Arsenal and Manchester United target strong starts

While they ultimately missed out to City again, Arsenal were even closer to the title last term, finishing just two points behind the champions. They’ve dusted themselves off, regrouped and they’ll fancy their chances at finally closing the gap this time around.

Jurrien Timber is back from injury, new signing Riccardo Calafiori adds defensive depth and Kai Havertz is finally showing glimpses of the huge potential he has. The Gunners take on Wolves, who they did the double over last season.

The Midlands outfit were no pushovers last year as Gary O’Neill silenced his early critics. But they’ve got work to do before the transfer window closes after losing two key players in Neto and Max Kilman.

And in the opening fixture of the new campaign, Manchester United welcome Fulham to Old Trafford. The Red Devils have been splashing out under their new ownership. They’ve already brought in exciting youngsters Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee for big fees, with Matthijs De Ligt not far behind.

But Fulham will hold no fear going into the clash. The west London side won 2-1 in this fixture back in February and they’ve added Emile Smith-Rowe to their attack, who has popped up with a couple of goals in pre-season.

All eyes will be on the Premier League curtain raiser on Friday night and Erik ten Hag will be desperate to avoid a pressure-building defeat after surviving the sack by the skin of his teeth. United looked solid enough in their Community Shield defeat to rivals City but they’ll need key players like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford to rediscover their form if they’re to have any chance of challenging for the top four.

Premier League opening weekend fixtures

Friday 16th August

 Manchester United v Fulham – 8pm

 Saturday 17th August

 Ipswich Town v Liverpool – 12:30pm
Arsenal v Wolves – 3pm
Everton v Brighton – 3pm
Newcastle v Southampton – 3pm
Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth – 3pm
West Ham v Aston Villa – 5:30pm

 Sunday 18th August

 Brentford v Crystal Palace – 2pm
Chelsea v Manchester City – 4:30pm

 Monday 19th August

 Leicester v Tottenham – 8pm

The best sporting weekends away

Posted on by Harry Howes

We may be on the home straight of summer but that doesn’t mean the holiday season is over. There are plenty of amazing places to visit across the globe and with so many incredible sporting events on the horizon, it’s the perfect opportunity to combine a long weekend away with some top-class action.

If you’re stuck about where to go or need a nudge in the right direction, we’ve put together a list of all the best sporting weekends away, as well as details on how to make the most of our brand-new hospitality experience.

Barcelona – Spanish Grand Prix

There’s nothing like a weekend in the sunshine watching Formula One and locations don’t get much better than Barcelona. The iconic Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is well known on the circuit and was the scene of Max Verstappen’s first ever Grand Prix win back in 2016.

The course has been hosting F1 races since opening way back in 1991 ahead of the Olympics taking place the following year. Located just 15 miles from central Barcelona, it’s the ideal location to combine a racing weekend next May with a sun-soaked city break.

Walk down the iconic Las Ramblas strip, visit the stunning Sagrada Familia and then enjoy a delicious cocktail on the beach. And the best part? We’ll do all the admin for you! With our exclusive new ROAM hospitality packages, you can combine unrivalled F1 hospitality with a luxury three-night stay in a five star Barcelona hotel. Enquire today to book your place.

Lake Como – Italian Grand Prix

The F1 calendar is known for visiting the most beautiful places in the world and the Italian Grand Prix is no different. Located just outside Milan, the Monza racecourse is just a short drive from the picturesque Lake Como.

A weekend taking in the racing action allows you to explore the high-end shops and cultural joys of Milan, relax in the stunning surroundings of the lake and experience all the thrills of the Italian Grand Prix.

The course is steeped in history and at more than 100 years old, it’s the oldest circuit in mainland Europe. Just like Barcelona, with our ROAM experience you can enjoy premium hospitality for the Saturday and Sunday of next September’s Grand Prix weekend, as well as a gorgeous weekend stay in Lake Como.

Monaco Grand Prix

Nothing says luxury like Monaco, which is handy if you’re a Formula One fan looking for a classy weekend away. One of the fanciest cities on the circuit is also a beautiful place to spend a weekend, so why not treat yourself to the Monaco Grand Prix next May?

You can see how the other half live by marvelling at the super yachts, browsing the designer shops and tasting the best food money can buy at one of Monaco’s many Michelin-starred restaurants.

Charles Leclerc won the race in his hometown for the first time this year and his new Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton will be hoping to follow suit in 2025. You can enjoy the iconic race from the best seats in the house with Engage’s exclusive hospitality packages.

Dublin – Ireland Rugby

It’s not just Formula One that offers the perfect chance for a weekend away. Rugby travels all over the world, with countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa famous for their impressive teams and beautiful locations.

While they may be a bit far for a quick trip, luckily, it’s only a short flight from the UK to Dublin, where you’re guaranteed a good time. As well as incredible rugby, you can head to the home of Guinness for a proper pint, great local food and traditional Irish music.

Dublin is also known for its beautiful castle, while it’s just a stone’s throw from gorgeous countryside and the coast. Why not combine a trip to the capital of the Emerald Isle with watching top-class rugby?

Ireland host New Zealand, Argentina and Australia at the Aviva Stadium in the Autumn Nations series this November, with plenty of hospitality packages available with Engage. Plus, they’ll be looking to win their third Six Nations crown in a row next spring, with home matches against England and France to look forward to.

New York – US Open

A bit further afield but certainly doable for a quick getaway is New York. Around an eight-hour flight from London, the Big Apple is one of the most visited cities in the world, with so much to do – and that’s before you even consider the sports you can see.

Visit Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building – plus you could enjoy a stroll around the iconic Central Park. New York famously has huge teams in all the major American sports. You could see the New York Yankees play baseball, the New York Giants in American football or the New York Knicks shooting hoops in basketball.

Or, if you fancy going sooner rather than later, why not hop across the pond for the US Open, which gets underway at the end of August? Head to the iconic grounds of Flushing Meadows and make the most of our hospitality options. If you’re lucky, you might just see Novak Djokovic finally win his 25th Grand Slam title and overtake Margaret Court to become the all-time leader in major titles.

What happens during the Formula One mid-season break?

Posted on by Harry Howes

With 10 races to go in the 2024 Formula One season, we’ve reached the summer break, with drivers given a month off to recharge their batteries.

The season will resume at the end of August with the Dutch Grand Prix so to fill the void until then, we’ve taken a look at how the season has gone so far and explained how the summer break works.

The story so far


There have been two F1 races since our last update, which had seen Max Verstappen hit a sticky patch having looked to have been running away with the title. Sadly for the reigning champion, that sticky patch has continued.

He failed to win either of those two races, which took place in Hungary and Belgium. First up, Australian youngster Oscar Piastri raced home to win in a race that saw the Brits do well, with Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton third.

Then in Belgium, Hamilton followed up on his record-breaking win at the British Grand Prix with his second win in three races. The Mercedes star was promoted to first after teammate George Russell was disqualified for having an underweight car. Verstappen was once again nowhere to be seen on the podium, with Piastri second and Charles Leclerc in third.

F1 standings after 14 races

PositionDriverTeamWinsPodiumsPoints
1Max VerstappenRed Bull79277
2Lando NorrisMcLaren18199
3Charles LeclercFerrari16177
4Oscar PiastriMcLaren14167
5Carlos Sainz JrFerrari15162
6Lewis HamiltonMercedes24150

Why is there a summer break?

The Formula One season has been paused for a hiatus that’s set to last for almost a month. The break in the racing calendar gives everyone involved, from racers to staff, a much-needed opportunity to rest and recharge.

The first half of the campaign has been a gruelling affair, with 14 races packed into just 21 weeks. As well as the intense competitiveness of each grand prix, there’s also been a huge amount of travelling. Teams have been flying across the globe to compete ever since the season kicked off in Bahrain in March, with races in the likes of Australia, Japan, Miami, Canada and throughout Europe.

The relentless racing and travel often takes a toll on all involved, so the break ensures everyone can take a step back, relax on the beach and spend some time with their friends and family.

While some of the break will be used to make plans for the rest of the season, it also includes a mandatory 14-day ‘summer shutdown’ for all teams. During this period, all teams must completely down tools, with no meetings allowed and no work on improving car performance permitted.

Only essential maintenance and servicing can take place, which ensures that everybody gets an equal amount of time off and nobody gains an unfair advantage. Failure to comply with the shutdown regulations can result in severe punishments.

Who will benefit from the summer break?

While all teams will welcome the summer break as an opportunity to relax, some drivers may find it more beneficial than others. Verstappen will be grateful for the hiatus – he’s failed to win any of the last four races despite coming out on top in seven of the first 10.

He remains in pole position to win his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship but his loss of form is worrying and he risks losing his way if he doesn’t turn things around soon.

In contrast, the summer break has arguably come at a bad time for Hamilton after winning two of the last three races. In fact, in the last six races the 39-year-old has won two, finished third twice and finished fourth twice. His best finish in the eight races before that was sixth.

Hamilton likely would have been keen to continue building momentum ahead of the season’s home straight. He’s finally back in form and while he remains a long way behind Verstappen, if their performances continue in the same vein then he may have his sights on securing a record-breaking eighth title before he moves on to Ferrari at the end of the year.

The break will be welcome for Sainz Jr, the man who Hamilton is replacing next season. The Spaniard has slipped down the standings in recent weeks and he needs to find a way to get back onto the podium. He remains fifth but with just one podium finish in the last six races, he’s allowed Piastri to leapfrog him, with Hamilton not too far behind.

Similarly, Leclerc hasn’t had the best time of late and Ferrari will be hoping, like Sainz Jr, that he can return from the break with a new lease of life. The 26-year-old finished third in Belgium last time out but he failed to finish in the top 10 in both Austria and at Silverstone.

F1 schedule

Dutch Grand Prix– Sunday 25th August
Italian Grand Prix– Sunday 1st September
Azerbaijan Grand Prix– Sunday 15th September
Singapore Grand Prix– Sunday 22nd September
United States Grand Prix– Sunday 20th October
Mexican Grand Prix– Sunday 27th October
Brazilian Grand Prix– Sunday 3rd November
Las Vegas Grand Prix– Sunday 24th November
Qatar Grand Prix– Sunday 1st December
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix– Sunday 8th December

The biggest British summer events to look forward to in 2025

Posted on by Harry Howes

We’re still in the midst of summer and while we have plenty of sport to look forward to before the dark and dreary days of winter descend upon us, we’ve already got one eye on next year.

There’s nothing quite like a summer of British sport and with the likes of Wimbledon, Royal Ascot and the Open Championship to look forward to, we’re set for yet another incredible few months of sport.

Ahead of all the action, we’ve taken a look at some of the key British sporting events to look forward to in 2025.

Wimbledon

Dates: Monday 30th June to Sunday 13th July, 2025

For many people, Wimbledon is the first thing they look for on the sporting calendar each year. Carlos Alcaraz is quickly becoming the next big thing in tennis and he’ll be looking to claim a third consecutive title next summer after winning back-to-back finals against seven-time champion Novak Djokovic.

In the women’s singles competition, Czech star Barbora Krejčíková became the eighth different champion since 2016. World number one Iga Świątek struggled in this year’s competition and the Polish star will be looking to finally add it to her collection next summer.

We’re still catching our breath after an incredible Wimbledon this year but if you’re already counting down the days to the 2025 tournament, you can join us in the best seats in the house. With Wimbledon Debentures, you’ll have access to premium seats on both Centre Court and No. 1 Court, with premium lounges and exclusive restaurants at your disposal.

LTA Championships at Queen’s

Dates: Monday 9th June to Sunday 22nd June, 2025

Each summer, the warm-up to Wimbledon and a key fixture in the grass-court season is the LTA Championships at Queen’s. American Tommy Paul was this year’s champion, beating Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the final. Alcaraz competed in the London event but was eliminated in the second round as he lost to Jack Draper.

Next year’s championships will see a women’s competition take place for the first time since 1973. The WTA 500 event will run for the first week of the tournament, with the ATP 500 competition commencing on Monday 16th June. As ever, we’ll be offering hospitality packages – enquire today to book your place.

Henley Royal Regatta

Dates: Tuesday 1st July to Sunday 6th July, 2025

The fanciest week in rowing returns to Oxfordshire in the form of the Henley Royal Regatta. The six-day event has been taking place since 1839 and, once again, it will host more than 300 races along the River Thames.

The Grand Challenge Cup is the most prestigious race of the week and you can watch it in style in our exclusive hospitality areas. As well as front row seats for all the racing action, you’ll be able to enjoy a complimentary bar, incredible food and first-class entertainment throughout your visit.

British Grand Prix

Dates: Thursday 3rd July to Sunday 6th July, 2025

Next year’s British Grand Prix will be Lewis Hamilton’s first home race driving for Ferrari. The 39-year-old is set to leave Mercedes after the end of the current season and he’ll be targeting a record 10th win at Silverstone for his new team.

Max Verstappen is on track to win his fourth consecutive Formula One title but with Hamilton back on form, he’ll fancy his chances at securing a record-breaking eighth world title next year. And if you fancy seeing the legendary British driver donning the red of Ferrari at his spiritual home, you can make the most of our exclusive hospitality offerings.

Open Championship

Dates: Thursday 17th July to Sunday 20th July, 2025

The Open Championship returns to Northern Ireland next summer, with Royal Portrush once again set to host the major competition. The iconic course last welcomed the tournament in 2019, with Shane Lowry finishing six strokes clear of Tommy Fleetwood.

Rory McIlroy will be desperate to secure his first major title since 2014 in his home country. The 35-year-old came so close to winning a fifth in the US Open earlier this year. Join Engage in the luxury of our hospitality areas for the chance to see McIlroy lift the claret jug for the second time.

Royal Ascot

Dates: Tuesday 17th June to Saturday 21st June, 2025

The classiest week in the British racing calendar returns next June, with racing fans and members of the royal family alike set to flock to Berkshire for Royal Ascot. The festival features some of the world’s most prestigious races, including the Gold Cup, the Queen Anne Stakes and the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

As ever, we’ll be offering several exclusive hospitality packages, including our ICON experience and private boxes. Enquire today to hear more about our packages, with complimentary drinks, world-class food and unrivalled views of all the racing action to enjoy.

France target double football gold at the Olympic Games

Posted on by Harry Howes

After all the fun of the Euros and Copa America, the international football action keeps on coming. We’ve reached the knockout stage of the football tournament at the Olympics, with eight nations in both the men’s and women’s tournaments still competing to win the gold medal in Paris.

France are looking strong in both competitions, although they face stiff competition from the likes of Argentina and Spain in the men’s side, while the USA and Canada will challenge for the women’s title.

Ahead of the quarter-finals getting underway tomorrow, we’ve taken a look at all the key talking points so far.

Men’s Olympic quarter-final fixtures

France v Argentina
Egypt v Paraguay
Morocco v United States
Japan v Spain

Can anyone stop France?

Home advantage counts for a lot in Olympic football and France certainly seem to be benefiting from it. The hosts sailed through their group, winning all three matches without conceding a goal.

Thierry Henry’s squad is packed full of Premier League talent past and present, with Alexandre Lacazette, Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta all getting on the scoresheet in wins over the USA, Guinea and New Zealand. They’re targeting their second Olympic gold after going all the way back in 1984.

But the French face a tricky quarter-final test against Argentina. The South American nation won back-to-back gold medals in 2004 and 2008, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez leading their attack. This time around they’re led by Manchester City star Julian Alvarez, while Nicolas Otamendi provides experience at the back in a squad packed with home-based youngsters.

Argentina only managed to finish second in their group following a surprise defeat to Morocco in their opening game. They went on to beat Iraq and Ukraine to set up a tie with France, where a win could make them favourites for the title, with the winner of Egypt v Paraguay waiting in the semi-final.

Spain target gold after Tokyo heartbreak

On the other side of the draw, Spain are looking to go one better than last time. Three years ago in Tokyo they went all the way to the final, with a squad packed with recognisable talent, including Pedri, Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal and Marco Asensio.

But they weren’t able to claim their second gold medal as former Barcelona winger Malcom’s extra-time strike secured a win for Brazil. This time around, Spain are going for gold despite finishing second in their group following a shock defeat to Egypt.

The Spanish face Japan who are no pushovers. Like France, they topped their group without conceding a goal and they swept aside Paraguay with a 5-0 thrashing in their opening game. They followed that up with solid 1-0 wins over Mali and Israel but they may need to step it up a gear to get past Spain.

Elsewhere, Egypt take on Paraguay and they’ll be confident of progressing after topping their group unbeaten ahead of Spain. Paraguay finished second in group D after two stoppage-time goals helped them beat Israel 4-2.

And in the final quarter-final clash, Morocco meet the USA. Morocco topped their group after Soufiane Rahimi’s impressive brace helped them beat Argentina in a game steeped with VAR controversy. They face an American side that lost to France but then showed their class by scoring seven goals as they won their two remaining group games.

Women’s Olympic quarter-final fixtures

France v Brazil
Spain v Colombia
USA v Japan
Canada v Germany

The story so far

Like the men, France topped their group, although they weren’t quite as formidable as they lost to Canada. They’re looking to improve on their best-ever finish of fourth and they’ll fancy their chances.

The French are led by Paris Saint-Germain striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who has shown her quality so far at the games. The 25-year-old has scored 35 times for her country and she’s brought that pedigree to the Olympics, scoring five times in the group stage. They face Brazil who have never won gold, although they’ve claimed the silver medal on two occasions. They scraped through the groups in third place after losing twice.

Spain topped their group with three wins and they boast a talented squad, including two-time Ballon d’Or Feminin winner Alexia Putellas. They meet Colombia who, like Brazil, qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.

Elsewhere, four-time gold medal winners USA are among the favourites to win the tournament, although their last gold came back in 2012. They managed bronze in Tokyo and will be full of confidence after three wins in the group stage. They meet Japan in the quarter-finals, who they beat in the final in London 12 years ago.

Finally, Canada will take on Germany in the next round. Both sides finished as runners-up in their group, although the Canadians won all three games before being docked six points for illegal drone spying. They won gold three years ago but face a strong Germany side who have already beaten Australia 3-0 and Zambia 4-1.

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