ClickCease

Author: Harry Howes

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.

The biggest women’s sporting events in 2024

Posted on by Harry Howes

There have already been so many iconic moments in women’s sport in 2024. England won the Six Nations for the 20th time in April, while we saw yet another new champion at Wimbledon as Czech star Barbora Krejčíková saw off Jasmine Paolini in the final.

We’re in the midst of the Olympics, with plenty of female superstars set to claim medals, while the Paralympics are just around the corner. With so many more prestigious events to look forward to before 2025, we’ve taken a look at all the key women’s events to keep an eye out for.

Women’s T20 World Cup

The T20 World Cup gets underway in Bangladesh in October, with 10 nations competing to be crowned cricket world champions. Six-time winners Australia are looking to defend their crown, having won last time out as they beat South Africa in the final.

Luckily for England, they’ve managed to avoid powerhouses Australia and India in the group stages. Yet they’ll still face a tough test, having been drawn against South Africa, West Indies, Scotland and hosts Bangladesh. They’re looking to lift the trophy for the second time after winning the inaugural competition back in 2009.

England’s hopes could rest on the form of Surrey all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt. She was the second highest run-scorer in the previous World Cup with 216, second only to South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt. The tournament starts on 3rd October, with the final taking place on the 20th.

The Women’s Super League

The 2024/25 Women’s Super League kicks off on September 22nd, with reigning champions Chelsea looking to extend their remarkable run of success. The Blues have won five consecutive titles, pipping Manchester City to the crown on goal difference in dramatic fashion last season.

However, Chelsea face a period of transition heading into the new campaign. Long-time manager Emma Hayes has departed, with former Lyon boss Sonia Bompastor taking over the reins at Kingsmeadow. Bompastor brings impressive pedigree, having secured three league titles and a Champions League during her time in France.

Their closest challengers are expected to be City, who will be desperate to bounce back after narrowly missing out last season. They boast a talented squad, spearheaded by the likes of Lionesses Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly.

US Open

The US Open takes place later this month and all eyes will be on Coco Gauff, who is looking to win back-to-back Grand Slams on home soil. The 20-year-old won her only major title at Flushing Meadows last summer and she’s among the favourites despite crashing out in the fourth round at Wimbledon.

World number one Iga Swiatek also disappointed at SW19. She’ll be looking to add to her Grand Slam collection, which includes the 2022 US Open and this year’s French Open. Elsewhere, this year’s Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will be aiming to go one better after losing to Gauff in last year’s final.

Emma Raducanu suffered a round of 16 exit at Wimbledon and she’ll be looking to do better across the pond. The 21-year-old has been plagued by injuries since announcing herself on the world stage by winning this competition three years ago. The US Open takes place from Monday 26th August until Sunday 8th September.

Tour de France Femmes

After two thrilling editions, the Tour de France Femmes is back for a third year, with eight stages taking place across seven days from 12th to 18th August. This year’s race will cover 946 km as riders start in the Netherlands and make their way through Belgium before finishing in the French Alps.

It’ll be the 22nd event of the UCI Women’s World Tour calendar and few are expected to challenge defending champion Demi Vollering, who’ll be representing SD Worx once again. The Dutch dynamo put in a dominant performance last year to claim the iconic yellow jersey.

Italian powerhouse Elisa Longo Borghini will be chomping at the bit for a maiden Tour de France Femmes title, while Poland’s Katarzyna Niewiadoma – who finished third in 2023 – could also be strong at the front of the pack.

Golf galore

The Women’s British Open heads to the iconic St Andrews course this year, with defending champion Lilia Vu looking to repeat her dominant performance from 2023, when she beat England’s Charley Hull by six strokes for her second major title.

However, she’ll be wary of fellow American and world number one Nelly Korda, who also has two majors to her name, including this year’s Chevron Championship. The competition takes place from 22nd to 25th August and just a few weeks later, Vu and Korda will be teaming up for the Solheim Cup.

Europe are the reigning champions, with Team USA looking to win the competition for the 11th time. They’ll be doing so on home soil – this year’s Solheim Cup takes place in Virginia from 13th to 15th September.

ICON Legends – Tiger Woods – Golf Genius

Posted on by Harry Howes

Our ICON Legends series has so far featured a number of sporting legends that can be considered to be among the greatest of all time in their respective fields. We’ve highlighted the phenomenal achievements of the likes of Serena Williams, Michael Schumacher, Lionel Messi and Frankie Dettori.

As we dive into other sports, it feels only right to honour a golfing great. Tiger Woods is undoubtedly one of the best to ever hold a club, with an incredible 15 major titles to his name. Only Jack Nicklaus can boast more than that, having won three more than Woods.

Tiger is also level in the all-time rankings of PGA Tour wins. He’s tied at the top on 82 alongside Sam Snead and with Woods’ career still going strong, he’s got every chance of leapfrogging his way into the undisputed top spot.

Bursting onto the scene

When you consider how early in his career Woods became a superstar, it’s no surprise to learn that his father first got him into the sport at the age of two. His parental guidance combined with natural talent and hard work saw Woods win his first U.S. Junior Amateur Championship when he was just 15.

After turning professional in 1996, he really made a name for himself the following year. Aged just 21, Woods’ performance at the 1997 Masters Tournament etched him into the history books.

The youngster won the iconic competition by an astonishing 12 strokes, which remains the biggest winning margin in the tournament’s history. The win was effectively sealed by his famous chip-in on the 16th, highlighting his exceptional short game.

He ultimately finished 18 shots under, consigning runner-up Tom Kite to second place for the third time in his career. Despite the huge margin of victory, Woods actually started slowly and struggled over the first nine. But he soon got into his stride, winning the second and third rounds and setting a then-tournament record of 270.

The win saw Woods crowned the youngest ever Masters champion and paved the way for dominance. Within two months he became world number one for the first time and he would later go on to hold this position for a remarkable 264 consecutive weeks from 1999 to 2004.

Majors domination

Over the next decade, Woods went on a tear, winning 13 major championships and cementing his place as the most dominant golfer of his generation. During his illustrious career, he’s been ranked No. 1 for a total of 683 weeks and during the early noughties he was virtually unbeatable.

He remains the youngest golfer, and only the fifth ever, to have won all four majors. Remarkably, in 2001 he achieved the feat of winning them all consecutively. He remains the only golfer to have achieved this feat, which was affectionately dubbed the ‘Tiger Slam’.

Woods’ incredible maiden Masters win back in 1997 sowed the seeds for a remarkable record in majors. He’s claimed the green jacket at Augusta five times, as well as winning the PGA Championship four times and the US Open and the Open Championship three times apiece.

Woods’ consistency is unmatched and he holds the record for consecutive cuts on the PGA tour with 142. His brilliance was personified when he played through the pain barrier to win the 2008 US Open in dramatic style.

Rocco Mediate managed to take him to a sudden-death playoff and, despite carrying a serious knee injury, Woods was able to come out on top. He required surgery shortly after the competition, which personified his determination and winning mentality.

The comeback

Despite his achievements, Woods has never been far from controversy. Scandal and marital problems in 2009 threatened to harm his career. But after taking a step back, Woods eventually bounced back to pick up where he left off.

He claimed his 80th PGA Tour win at the 2018 Tour Championship and was arguably back to his best. And it was this win that likely spurred him on to one of his greatest triumphs.

Just a year later, at the age of 43, Woods shocked the golfing world as he won the Masters for the fifth time. It was his first major win for 11 years and after years of battling personal and injury issues, with numerous back surgeries impacting his form, it truly cemented his position as one of the greatest golfers in history. And the golfing world certainly agreed, inducting Woods into the World Golf Hall of Fame three years ago.

Having started out almost 30 years ago, it’s a testament to the man that he’s still competing on the tour today at the age of 48. His Masters win five years ago was astonishing and, barring a miracle, it will almost certainly be the last major title he wins in his career.

It’s unclear when he’ll be hanging up his clubs and while he understandably may not be what he was, it’ll be a sad day when Woods calls time on his career.

The Hundred: Can Oval Invincibles retain their crown?

Posted on by Harry Howes

Summer is in full swing and with the sun shining, there’s nothing quite like a nice bit of cricket. Thankfully, The Hundred is back for another year, with the 2024 season getting underway today.

It’s the fourth edition of the exciting cricket format, with eight men’s and women’s teams from across the country set to lock horns as they battle to be crowned this year’s winners. After eight matches each, the top three teams qualify for the knockout stages, with second and third place playing out an eliminator to reach the final.

This year’s final once again takes place at Lord’s on Sunday 18th August, with the eliminator played at The Oval the day before.

Oval Invincibles target second successive title

The Oval Invincibles have a rich history in The Hundred despite the competition’s relatively short lifespan. The women’s side won the first two editions and a year ago it was the turn of the men to take charge as they claimed their first title.

The London-based franchise dominated the men’s standings in 2023, finishing top of the pile before beating Manchester Originals in the final at Lord’s. They won six of their eight group matches, with their only defeat coming against Birmingham Phoenix.

Now the Oval Invincibles have another title in their sights and they seem to have gone from strength to strength. While they’ve kept the bulk of their key players, including impressive all-rounders and brothers Tom and Sam Curran, they’ve also made improvements.

Jason Roy has made the switch to the Northern Chargers and he’s been replaced by Dawid Malan, who was the leading run scorer in the 2022 season. They’ll also benefit from the bowling of Spencer Johnson, who is back after helping Brisbane Heat win the Big Bash.

On the women’s side, the Oval Invincibles aren’t quite as fancied to go all the way, although they’ll still compete and they know what it takes to win having gone all the way in both 2021 and 2022.

Their 2023 season didn’t quite go to plan as they finished fifth in the standings, winning just three of their matches. But they still boast a strong squad that includes South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who won the player of the series last year.

Oval Invincibles key fixtures

Oval Invincibles vs Birmingham Phoenix – Tuesday 23rd July, The Oval
London Spirit vs Oval Invincibles – Sunday 4th August, Lord’s
Manchester Originals vs Oval Invincibles – Tuesday 6th August, Old Trafford
Oval Invincibles vs London Spirit – Sunday 11th August, The Oval

Third time lucky for Manchester Originals?

The phrase ‘always the bridesmaid, never the bride’ comes to mind when it comes to Manchester Originals and The Hundred. The men’s side have lost the last two finals and will be desperate to make it third time lucky this summer.

Back in 2022, they finished second in the group stage and edged past London Spirit in the eliminator. But it wasn’t to be as they narrowly lost in the final against Trent Rockets. And 12 months ago it was a case of deja vu as Tom Curran’s unbeaten 67 saw Oval Invincibles triumph in the final.

Manchester Originals boast an impressive squad and in Jos Buttler and Phil Salt they had one of the competition’s strongest pairings at the top of the order. Buttler finished top of the runs standings last time out with 391, 151 runs clear of second pace. However, Buttler looks set to miss the competition due to injury.

To make matters worse, they’ve been hampered by the loss of Laurie Evans who has switched allegiance and joined Southern Brave. They’ll still feel they can do damage and win enough games to reach the knockout stage. But should they find themselves in another final, they’ll face a psychological battle to escape the losing mentality that has seen them miss out in previous years.

Manchester Originals key fixtures

Manchester Originals vs Welsh Fire – Thursday 25th July, Old Trafford
Manchester Originals vs Oval Invincibles – Tuesday 6th August, Old Trafford
London Spirit vs Manchester Originals – Friday 9th August, Lord’s

Southern Brave look to defend women’s crown

Much like Manchester Originals in the men’s competition, the Southern Brave women’s side previously had two losing finals under their belts. Luckily for them, they hit that hoodoo for six by winning the title in 2023.

They enjoyed a near-perfect group stage, winning seven of their eight matches to reach the knockouts. And when they met Northern Superchargers in the final, they won by 34 runs, with Danni Wyatt scoring an impressive 59.

Wyatt scored the most runs in the competition with 295, while Georgia Adams topped the wicket standings after taking 16. Both players are still at Southern Brave and they’ll be essential if they’re to go all the way again. They remain the bookies’ favourites to retain their title, although they’ll face stiff competition from Northern Superchargers and Welsh Fire.

int(174)