VisitBritain Launches The Countryside Collection to Inspire Travel to Destinations Outside of Major British Cities

VisitBritain, the national tourist board for England, Scotland and Wales, has unveiled a new GREAT Britain campaign initiative, The Countryside Collection, with an unforgettable celebration in New York City. The night included an intimate performance by Katherine Jenkins, OBE, the world’s best-selling classical crossover artist and Dancing with the Stars finalist. Alexandra Richards, DJ, model and daughter of British rock legend, Keith Richards, served as the night’s DJ.

The event was hosted by Her Majesty’s Consul General Danny Lopez and saw over 150 of New York’s top media, taste makers and influencers including Lily Donaldson, Matthew Goode, Tennessee Thomas, Mikey Kay, Mickey Boardman, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Matthew Hitt, Ben Watts, Andrew Levitas and more, embark on an immersive experience to discover the unexpected side of Great Britain’s stunning countryside. As part of the Government’s successful GREAT Britain campaign, The Countryside Collection aims to grow the visitor economy and increase tourism in the rural areas of the country.

Katherine Jenkins, OBE, from Neath, Wales, is the world’s most prolific classical crossover artist and the fastest-selling mezzo-soprano ever. In her role as an official ambassador for Britain’s GREAT campaign, Katherine has recorded an exclusive track honoring her homeland, entitled “Home,” which was performed live at the event. Katherine dazzled in a dress designed by Stella McCartney, a fellow GREAT ambassador for the GREAT Britain Campaign.

The Countryside Collection launch was an evening of storytelling and memory-making as guests were welcomed into a large SoHo studio and transported to a ‘GREAT room’ of a contemporary British country house hotel. Once inside, guests were taken on a journey through the senses, bringing the surprising nature of the British countryside to life. A toast led by VisitBritain kicked off the evening and personal countryside memories were shared with the night’s guests, including foreign correspondent, TV host and world traveler Mikey Kay and Katherine Jenkins, OBE. Guests were surrounded by a mix of modern and traditional British textiles, delicious British winter comfort foods interpreted in a contemporary way and stunning photography and art – all showcasing the heart of the real British countryside, standing in stark contrast to what they thought they knew about Britain.