This annual festival plays an important role in promoting Arabian horse racing on a global scale, celebrating and preserving the sport’s rich heritage and traditions. The event will showcase high-profile races and distinguished participants, including the Société Hippique Française (SHF), demonstrating their expertise and the exceptional excellence of the French equestrian sector.

Société Hippique Française – SHF : A Highlight of Tradition and Excellence
The Société Hippique Française, established in 1865 and accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture, is a pivotal association in the realm of sport and leisure horse and pony breeding. SHF plays a vital role in organizing events that unite stakeholders in the production, enhancement, and marketing of young horses and ponies. Their participation in the Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival further emphasizes the event’s prestige and highlights the significance of French equine expertise on an international stage.

Excellence of French Genetic Heritage
SHF is renowned for its superior equine genetic heritage, breeding distinguished breeds such as the French Saddle Horse, Anglo-Arab, Arabian, and French Riding Pony. At the festival, SHF will showcase these purebred horses, demonstrating French expertise in selection and care. French horses, known for their beauty and performance, are a testament to meticulous breeding traditions that combine carefully selected lineages and advanced breeding techniques, earning them an international reputation. This event provides SHF with an opportunity to display how their breeding meets the high standards demanded by Emirati and regional buyers.

With over 33,000 breeders and owners of mares in 2022, the equine sector is essential in France, generating 66,000 primary activity jobs nationwide. The French equine industry’s prowess was further demonstrated when the French team won the world championship title in 2023 with 100% French horses.

French Breeding Excellence and Endurance at SHF’s Grand Events
The Société Hippique Française organizes two major events that offer exceptional opportunities for breeders, owners, riders, and buyers to engage with the vibrant equine sector:

The Grand Week of Fontainebleau: From August 22 to September 1, this event features 1,850 horses (mainly French Saddle Horse “Selle Français”) aged 2 to 7 years competing in breeding, show jumping, and hunter style competitions. It is a cornerstone event that showcases the finest young horses and ponies, offering a unique platform for networking and collaboration. With the approach of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, this event gains additional significance, serving as a prelude to the equestrian events at the Olympics, highlighting France’s dedication to equine excellence on the world stage.

The Grand Endurance Week in Lignières-en-Berry: Held from October 11 to 13, this event gathers young arabian and anglo-arabian horses from the French Equestrian Society. It highlights the endurance and versatility of these horses, reflecting the meticulous breeding and training traditions upheld by SHF. This event also aligns with the upcoming Olympic spirit, showcasing the stamina and resilience required in competitive equestrian sports.

These events are very important moments in the equine calendar, fostering a vibrant community and offering unparalleled opportunities for engagement.

Unique Expertise for the Emirati Market
SHF highlights its expertise in breeding, training, and enhancement by engaging with the Emirati equine market, fostering stronger ties between the French equine sector and the UAE. The Gulf countries, particularly the UAE, play a significant role in this sector through the purchase of purebred French horses, renowned for their endurance, elegance, and performance. SHF’s long tradition and globally recognized expertise in selecting lineages and providing high-quality care are instrumental in meeting the needs of the Emirati market.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival in France underscores the deep cultural exchange between the UAE and France, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance the global appeal of Arabian horse racing. SHF is honored to participate in the event, showcasing French expertise in equine breeding and highlighting the importance of international cooperation in the equestrian world.

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Bright, bold, and brimming with creativity, the festival has seen huge murals spring up across the city centre. The event showcases a dazzling array of artwork, featuring pieces by local and national artists and international talents from Canada, Australia, Brazil, and other parts of the globe.

Artistic Director Izzy Peacock expressed her enthusiasm about the festival’s return, highlighting the calibre of the artists involved. “We are incredibly excited to stage Bring The Paint for the fourth time in Leicester. Our world-class line-up speaks for itself, and we are proud to be working with such an incredible selection of artists. The festival is set to be one of the biggest street art events in the UK this year,” Peacock said.

The festival, which first made its mark on Leicester in 2017, has become a beloved fixture in the city’s cultural calendar. Its impact is still visible through the lasting artworks that adorn the city’s buildings, adding colour and character to urban spaces. Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby expressed his delight at the festival’s return and the ongoing collaboration with Graffwerk, the local organization behind the event.

“Leicester hosted the first Bring The Paint Street Festival event in 2017, and the amazing results of that can still be seen in the city center today. I’m delighted that the city council is sponsoring Graffwerk to bring the event here again this May and look forward to welcoming world-class street artists from around the globe to our city,” Mayor Soulsby stated.

The festival’s significance extends beyond just the visual transformation of the cityscape. It is a cultural melting pot, bringing diverse artists and audiences together and fostering community through art. Visitors and residents alike are treated to a unique visual experience, with each mural telling its own story and contributing to the city’s dynamic artistic narrative.

This year’s festival features a range of activities and events designed to engage the public and encourage participation. Workshops, guided tours, and live painting sessions allow attendees to see the artists in action and gain insight into their creative processes. These interactive elements ensure that Bring The Paint is not just an exhibition but an immersive experience that celebrates the spirit of street art.

The international line-up includes renowned artists such as Brazilian muralist Kobra, known for his large-scale, colourful portraits, and Australian street artist Rone, famous for his hauntingly beautiful depictions of women. Their participation underscores the festival’s reputation as a premier event in the street art world, drawing top talent to Leicester’s streets.

Local artists also play a crucial role in the festival, with many using the platform to showcase their work and connect with a broader audience. The event allows these artists to collaborate with their international peers, fostering a creative exchange that enriches the local art scene.

As Bring The Paint unfolds, the streets of Leicester are expected to draw crowds of art enthusiasts, photographers, and curious onlookers, all eager to witness the city’s transformation. The festival enhances the urban landscape and positions Leicester as a vibrant hub for contemporary street art, celebrating creativity in all its forms.

With its colourful murals and inclusive spirit, the Bring The Paint festival is set to leave an indelible mark on Leicester, inspiring both the community and visitors from afar. As the festival continues through Sunday, May 26th, the city remains a living canvas, showcasing the power of street art to bring buildings – and communities – to life.

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