Sponsors & guests gathered at Boodles in Manchester city centre last night to celebrate the launch of this year’s Boodles Tennis at the Mere.

Business leaders, celebrities and tennis stars enjoyed canapes prepared by Gino D’Acampo’s to mark the occasion and raised a glass of Nyetimber toast to the three-day stylish garden party which takes place from 21-23 June.

Tennis legend Xavier Malisse also announced that former Wimbledon Champions Kim Clijsters and Marion Bartoli will be taking part in Boodles Tennis 2017, set in the beautiful grounds of The Mere Golf Resort & Spa in Knutsford.

Speaking after the Boodles’ Manchester King Street store launch event, tournament Director Vicky Collins thanked main sponsor Boodles as well as new sponsor for 2017 private bank Brown Shipley, Oman Air and Manchester Airport.

She said: “We are more excited than ever for this year’s Boodles Tennis at the Mere – and I think the launch party demonstrated that.

“It was great to see everyone together just weeks ahead of the main event.”

She added: “There’s so much to look forward to this year. For the first time, we will hold a ‘true ladies day’ as Kim Clijsters and Marion Bartoli will feature at the Mere.

“And we also have favourites Xavier and Goran Ivanisevic returning along with other legends of the sport in attendance over the three days, who will entertain and mix with the crowds.”

Guests at the launch event at Boodles King Street also enjoyed associate sponsors Aspall Suffolk cider and long standing sponsor Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manchester provided a spectacular arrival for our guest player Xavier, dropping him at the entrance in a brand new Ghost.

Boodles Tennis at The Mere is also proud to support the Seashell Trust this year, a national charity supporting children and young adults with learning difficulties across the UK.

Vicky added: “We’re lucky to have some dazzling sponsors for Boodles 2017.

“We now feel we have the right balance of guests, independent business, professional services and family run businesses, that are all very accommodating to each other.”

Sule Cooper also left with a pair of business class flights to Muscat as Oman Air provided a highlight to the evening with their prize draw to announce their arrival to both Manchester Airport from 1^st May and as a sponsor to Boodles Tennis at The Mere.

Stephen Turner, Commercial Director at Manchester Airport, said: “We are delighted to partner with one of our newest airlines, Oman Air, to sponsor such a prestigious event.

“With Oman Air’s daily service it will be much easier for the north to access Muscat, and to take advantage of the airline’s incredible onward connectivity across India and Asia.”