Landmark long-term deal secures Adelaide Equestrian FestivaL

Five-year State Government funding agreement secures the Adelaide Equestrian Festival's future as the Southern Hemisphere's only Five-Star event.

The Malinauskas Labor Government has signed a landmark five-year funding agreement to deliver the Adelaide Equestrian Festival, providing long-term certainty for the Southern Hemisphere's only Five-Star event and supporting its continued growth and development through to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival will return from 20–23 April 2028, following the completion of works associated with the Adelaide Circuit Redevelopment Project, which includes a purpose-designed water jump in Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi.

The agreement recognises the Festival's significant contribution to South Australia's visitor economy, with the 2026 event attracting more than 38,000 spectators, 44% travelling from interstate or overseas, generating an estimated $14.8 million in economic activity and delivering more than 40,000 visitor nights.

The investment will support a long-term strategy focused on increasing interstate and international visitation, enhancing the Festival's infrastructure and spectator experience, expanding commercial opportunities and strengthening Adelaide's reputation as a global destination for equestrian sport and equine tourism.

As custodians of one of only six Five-Star equestrian events in the world, the Adelaide Equestrian Festival takes seriously its responsibility to deliver world-class sporting competition, protect the welfare of horses and riders, and provide an exceptional experience for spectators and commercial partners.

Following months of consultation and planning, the Festival explored all available options to deliver the 2027 event alongside the Circuit redevelopment works. The Adelaide Equestrian Festival sincerely thanks the State Government, South Australian Motor Sport Board and City of Adelaide for their collaborative efforts throughout this process.

AN AMBITIOUS RETURN

Adelaide Equestrian Festival Deputy Chair Karlene Maywald said the decision not to stage the Festival in 2027 was not made lightly.

"We are incredibly appreciative of the efforts of the State Government, South Australian Motor Sport Board and City of Adelaide, who have worked collaboratively with us to explore every possible option to deliver the Festival in 2027.

"However, after careful consideration, the Board determined that the most responsible decision was to focus our efforts on delivering an exceptional return in 2028.

"The State Government's landmark five-year commitment provides the certainty to take a longer-term view of the Festival's future. We are confident the additional planning time will allow us to deliver our most outstanding Festival yet, setting a new benchmark for international equestrian sport in Australia as we build towards Brisbane 2032."

BUILDING A WORLD-CLASS FUTURE

Adelaide Equestrian Festival Course Designer Clayton Fredericks said the additional planning period provides an important opportunity to build on the success of the internationally renowned event and set an ambitious vision for its future.

"The decision creates an opportunity to look beyond 2027 and focus on delivering an even stronger Festival in 2028 and for the home Olympic cycle. Sometimes taking one step back allows you to move five steps forward.

"The team now has an extraordinary opportunity to elevate the Adelaide Equestrian Festival, not only cementing its position as the Southern Hemisphere's premier equestrian event but ensuring it stands proudly on par with its prestigious Five-Star counterparts in the Northern Hemisphere.

"With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games on the horizon, the timing couldn't be better to invest in the future of Australian equestrian sport and ensure Adelaide continues to be recognised among the very best events in the world."