IT was a happy return to the Pirelli Stadium as horse racing fans were the first to be welcomed back to a special event at the home of Burton Albion.
The stadium hosted two days of live action from the prestigious Ascot meeting with ticket holders getting the chance to watch all the races on the big screen whilst enjoying a fabulous four-course lunch followed later by afternoon tea.
Race days are just one of the popular events hosted at the Pirelli Stadium, but which have had to be put on hold over the last year due to the pandemic.
Now, with Covid restrictions being eased events are back on the schedule and visitors can be assured that their health and safety will be top of the agenda.
The Pirelli Stadium has received its ‘Good to Go’ status – the official UK-wide accreditation signifying that the venue is adhering to all relevant protocols, and has clear processes in place for those attending.
Chairman Ben Robinson said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome people back to the Pirelli Stadium for our special events and to see them once again enjoying the great food and special atmosphere we have here at the Pirelli Stadium.
“Race days here have always been very popular and I’m sure everyone enjoyed the chance to once again enjoy all the action from Ascot at the Pirelli Stadium.
“I want to express our considerable thanks to all the guests who supported our two Royal Ascot days for which we had excellent feedback.
“The two events raised a marvellous sum of £2,291.55 for our charity Burton Albion Community Trust with Steve Stretch, the bookmakers who were in attendance, kindly donating their profits and with our front of shirt sponsors David and Alyson Hewlett from Prestec donating £200, Ian Bullock and his two sons Charlie and Harry from Burton Kia adding another £600 and an anonymous donation of £10.
"Thanks to all of them for supporting BACT so generously.”
BACT has been praised for its response to the pandemic and its efforts at the Pirelli Stadium Vaccination Centre where more than 100,000 jabs have now been given. The money raised will go towards supporting BACT’s womens' and girls' football projects in buying new equipment.
The Pirelli Stadium now looks forward to hosting more events.
Ben Robinson added: “As Covid restrictions continue to ease we are looking forward to welcoming both old and new visitors to the stadium, with our famous Christmas party nights also now back on the agenda.
“We look forward to seeing you soon.”
Alyson Hewlett of Prestec, who attended the Ladies Day event, said: “It was fantastic to be back at the Pirelli Stadium. It's an event that we've never attended before and we thoroughly enjoyed our day. The food, the atmosphere and everything about it was fantastic."
Dave Hamilton of Kestral Building Services said: “I’ve loved being back. I've missed seeing people at the stadium on matchdays and at events like this. It's always been a great event when we've come in the past and it has been excellent once again after so long without anything similar.
“All the correct safety procedures have been put in place and everyone in attendance has seemed to really be enjoying themselves.”
Andrew Haywood, Managing Director of Russell Roof Tiles, said: "Myself and my wife have been to the last two days and have loved every second of it. We also invited some clients to one of the days who haven't been out in public in recent times and they were very complimentary of the Pirelli Stadium and everything that had been put in place to ensure people's safety.
"The food and atmosphere was great and we're really glad we came. We'll see you once again next year."
Featuring live entertainment and a disco, as well as an exquisite three-course meal, our Christmas Party Nights are available on any of the Friday or Saturday nights throughout December leading up to Christmas.
Our full digital brochure will be available very soon but in the meantime you can enquire or register your interest by emailing christmas@burtonalbionfc.co.uk or calling 01283 565938, and we will be happy to send a brochure to you once it is launched.