Liverpool International Horse Show got an abrupt end yesterday afternoon due to a nearby fire, and the CSI4* Grand Prix as well as the closing Knock-Out competition had to be cancelled.

An official announcement from the show organizers reads:

“It is with considerable regret that organisers of the Liverpool International Horse Show announce that tonight's performance at the Echo Arena has been cancelled.

Due to a serious fire in a multi-storey car park near to the Echo Arena, and on advice from the emergency services, the show's final session will not proceed.

All people and horses are safe and secure, and show organisers have thanked spectators, riders and support teams for their understanding and co-operation during this ongoing situation.

The possibility of rescheduling the show for tomorrow (Monday) was discussed, but unfortunately, this has not proved possible.”

Nina Barbour, President of the show, stated in a press release: 

"I would like to express my immense thanks and gratitude to the emergency services, the Echo Arena staff, riders, grooms and support staff, the general public and the City of Liverpool following Sunday night's events.

The understanding of everybody who were preparing to celebrate New Years' Eve and were left in Liverpool with no transport was nothing short of remarkable, and the offers of help and support from people - they ran into the hundreds - for anyone who needed assistance will never be forgotten.

It was with considerable regret that last night's final session of the show had to be cancelled due to a serious fire in a multi-storey car park near to the Echo Arena, and on advice from the emergency services, who worked tirelessly all night to contain and extinguish the fire.

My thoughts are also with those who have lost their vehicles and possessions as a result of the fire.

All people and horses are safe and secure, and I thank spectators, riders and support teams for their understanding and co-operation during what was a difficult situation.

I am very proud of our own teams who pulled together in the most demanding of circumstances, and managed to quickly and calmly evacuate all horses from the venue in a safe and controlled manner.

We have worked very closely with the Echo Arena team over the last three years - their support and hard work has been integral to the event's success to date, and our thoughts are with them, and the city of Liverpool.

We are not going to let go of what we achieved in the first five sessions of the show, and we will be back to do it again next December."