Telford’s International Centre has beaten off tough competition to host one of the UK’s most prestigious snooker events for the third year in a row.
Organisers had considered other destinations, but Telford has now been confirmed as the host venue for the UK Snooker Championships in December.
A World Snooker spokesman said: “We have been delighted with the success of the tournament at Telford over the past two years and we are looking forward to returning.
“The fans in the Shropshire area have shown their enthusiasm for snooker as the crowds for the event have been very strong.
“The International Centre has proved a fitting location for one of our biggest events, and many of the players have also given their endorsement to the facilities at the venue and the atmosphere in the playing arena.”
The International Centre is owned by the Southwater Event Group, and Chief Executive Tom Gray said confirmation of the tournament was excellent news.
“This really is one of the most prestigious events in the snooker calendar, and to secure it for a third year running is a real coup – not only for The International Centre, but for the wider Telford and Shropshire area too.
“We put together an extremely competitive package in order to secure this event for the town, and the extensive television and media coverage always helps to put this area on the map.”
Tom said organisers had praised the centre’s convenient location, the flexibility of the facilities on offer, and its three on-site hotels – The International Hotel, The Holiday Inn, and Grays Hotel.
Audiences of almost 8,000 people visited the venue for last year’s championships, and tickets for this year’s event are expected to be on sale soon.
“We’re hoping everyone in the local area will support the tournament, and we’re aiming to attract even bigger crowds this year to reinforce Telford’s position as a perfect home for this, and many other high profile events,” said Tom.
The news was also welcomed by Sarah Bird, Business Tourism Manager at Telford & Shropshire Conferences.
“We are delighted that the International Centre and the rest of Shropshire will deliver yet another world-class event,” she said. “It will showcase our leading conference facilities and hospitality, placing the area firmly on a national and international stage.”
