Beach polo returns to Sandbanks in Dorset

The British Beach Polo Championship returns to Sandbanks beach, Dorset this July.

Six teams will do battle over two days of competition on Friday July 10 and Saturday July 11, with the British and USA beach polo teams playing each other on both days.

Covering a smaller area than conventional polo, with one less player per team and a smaller ball, beach polo is fast-paced and exciting, as the ponies can accelerate, stop and turn extremely sharply in the sand.

Johnny Wheeler, director of organisers Sandpolo Ltd, said: “Sandbanks is set to host the sport of beach polo for the next five years.

“The British Beach Polo Championships combines this extremely exciting spectator sport with the spectacular surroundings of the most exclusive beach community in the country.”

From 6pm each day there will be a party in the players’ marquee on the sand. Friday’s party will be hosted by record label HedKandi and Saturday’s by Sam Young and DJ Charles.

Gates open at 11am on both days with the first of four matches starting at 12 midday.

General admission is £35, party tickets £70 and luxury packages are up to £300 per head.

For more info go to www.sandpolo.com

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