In terms of providing a spectacular launch to the British equestrian calendar in an Olympic year, the inaugural Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show ticks every box.

The brainchild of Bolesworth International president Nina Barbour, Britain will start 2016 as proud hosts of a new four-star showjumping spectacular.

And it is set to become the latest in a long line of Liverpool sporting success stories - a city renowned for its two Premier League football clubs, staging the Grand National and hosting many Open golf championships.

The show will mark its debut event by running at four-star level, commencing on Friday, January 1 at the 6,000-capacity waterfront Liverpool Echo Arena following a spectacular New Year's Eve party the previous night, with two sessions per day across three days and culminating in the Liverpool International Grand Prix on January 3.

Many leading combinations will be in action, including a strong home challenge led by the likes of John Whitaker, Michael Whitaker, Laura Renwick and Will Funnell, while Billy Twomey, Denis Lynch and Shane Breen are among those flying Ireland's flag, and continental Europe is also set to be strongly represented.

You can keep track of the showjumping action across all three days by watching the livestream; http://www.liverpoolhorseshow.com/live-streaming-form

Besides top-class showjumping, Liverpool's slick, eye-catching production will incorporate scintillating performances from the ‘Bootleg Beatles,’ opera singers Bella Voci, theatrical stunt rider Clémence Faivre and the ever-popular Shetland Pony Grand National.

Fine dining will also be available, plus a champagne bar and many food outlets, in addition to an impressive shopping village retailing high-end clothing, equestrian accessories, giftwares, fine foods and beautiful things for the home.

Nina Barbour and her team have set enviable standards with the stunning Cheshire rural setting of Bolesworth, a hit-you-between-the eyes summer show of unremitting excellence that has proved such a success with riders and spectators alike.

Now, it is Liverpool's turn to step into the spotlight as a thrilling new destination during a year when all roads will lead to Rio for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Billy Twomey is a prolific grand prix winner throughout the showjumping world, and he is relishing being part of the Liverpool experience.

"It is great that we have another four-star show in Britain. Liverpool Echo Arena is such an amazing venue and the time of year works well for everyone - owners, sponsors, riders and their families. We will all get the opportunity to watch some amazing sport and get to touch base at the same time," he said.

"My horses are all on form, and my aim next year is to get back into the top 30 in the FEI rankings. Liverpool has six world-ranking classes, so it’s important that I perform well.”

"The people of Liverpool really enjoy their sport, and there is no doubt that the atmosphere in the Echo Arena will be enthusiastic. I am looking forward to the crowd really getting behind us."

And Twomey's fellow Irishman, the brilliant Bertram Allen, added; "I think there will be a really good atmosphere in Liverpool."

"Nina has put a lot of thought into the show, the classes aren’t huge, and I think that is important when your aiming to create a good atmosphere indoors. I definitely think there is a niche in the equestrian calendar for good four-star shows."

For an opportunity to take part in our New Year celebrations! Liverpool John Lennon airport offers charter and low-cost scheduled flights to a range of domestic, European and International destinations, while Manchester is just 45 minutes away. To book tickets for the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show, or for more information, go to www.liverpoolhorseshow.com.