FREE TOURNAMENT OPEN TO ALL TO CELEBRATE THE START OF SUMMER

Petanque Players at Ricard Tournament 2010

On the 19^th of June 2010, French and English hipsters alike donned their panamas and Ray-Bans to play at Ricard’s* annual Pétanque Tournament, take in the sun, and enjoy a glass of their favourite pastis as they kicked back on the grass. After the success of last year’s Ricard Pétanque Garden Party which saw over 800 of London’s Bright young things pitch up to show off their boules skills, one of London’s most beautiful private gardens is throwing open its doors once more.

For one day only on Saturday 18^thJune, The Chelsea Physic Gardens will be transformed into Ricard’s 1920s “Joie de Vivre Garden”. French Chic and English vintage kitsch will combine for a day of sun and fun. Come in your garden-party vintage finest and pick up your panama at the door before heading to the Ricard bar for the barmen to mix you up a drink: from “Perroquets” to “Ricard French Mojitos” you will be sure to find your perfect summer cocktail!

Giant Garden Chess, croquet, treasure hunts, a delicious gourmet BBQ and, of course, the Ricard Pétanque tournament: London in the summer doesn’t get better than this!

This year, Benoit Viellefon (www.benoitandhisorchestra.com) will be keeping the revellers entertained. The “French Crooner a la mode vintage” will be stopping by on his way to the Glastonbury Festival with his orchestra made up of internationally renowned musicians from France, Great Britain and Jamaica. With his rhythmic gypsy blues music described as a cross between Django Reinhardt and Jimi Hendrix, you certainly won’t be standing still much!

Are you a pétanque novice? Worry not:  the Lost and Found Dandies will be driving their pétanque bus over from Shoreditch to coach, entertain and amuse you throughout the day with tips, games and performances!

And when you have thrown as many boules as you can manage and danced, played and eaten all you can: pick your perfect picnic spot, and grab your Lillet** Picnic rug and a glass of your favourite aperitif, while you sit back and enjoy the sun!

Petanque Tournament:

Die-hard and amateur pétanque players alike are invited to come and compete in the 2011 Ricard Pétanque Tournament. Teams of three can register any time from 11.00am on the day. Boules will start flying at 11am. So bring your team mates, and your competitive spirit, because the winning team of this year’s Ricard Pétanque Tournament will also get to walk away with three pairs of Eurostar premiere tickets! Runners-up won’t leave empty handed either, with two year-long memberships to the stunning Chelsea Physic Garden to be won.

And for those of you who fancy a slightly more easy going game, there will also be some have-a-go pitches dotted around the garden for you to enjoy a relaxed game of pétanque.

For more information and photos from last year’s fantastic day at the Chelsea Physic Garden, check out the Ricard Garden Party Facebook Page.

For more information, please contact rebecca@franceinlondon.com

Pernod RicardUK is part of the Pernod Ricard Group, co-leader of the global wines and spirits industry. Globally, Pernod Ricard now represents 91 million cases of spirits and 25 million cases of wine, and owns 19 of the world’s top 100 brands.