THE world famous Badminton Horse Trials returns to the region this week and riders, horse-lovers and businesses are gearing up for the event.

The three-day event, first held in 1949, is renowned as one of the toughest challenges on the calendar for eventers and bring visitors from around the world.

It is part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing alongside the Rolex Kentucky Three Day and the Burghley Horse Trials.

Nearly a quarter of a million people will descend on Badminton for the event this year and hotels, bars and businesses are preparing for a bumper trade.

Victoria Lippiatt, owner of Manor Farm bed and breakfast in Alderton near Luckington, says the event can be lucrative for the region.

“Badminton makes big difference to small businesses in the area,” she said.

“If they have a good reputation, people book up and you have return guests.”

Gavin Hunt, manager at the Rattlebone Inn pub and restaurant in Sherston, says the event has a knock on effect on their mid-week trade.

“We’re always fully booked way in advance for Badminton from about Tuesday until the end of the week,” he said.

“We put on live music in a marque on the Friday.

“We’re always busy on the weekends but Badminton gives us more impact in the middle part of week.

“It’s one of our busiest weeks of the year.”

During race week at Cheltenham the town normally sees a spike in anti-social behaviour based around the night-time economy, however Gavin says Badminton fans are “a good crowd”.