This year’s Gloucestershire Festival of Polo sees a new programme for matches, with a top quality International Test Match plus charity, celebrity and young player games
The Beaufort Polo Club has announced its annual polo bonanza will take place on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19. The Gloucestershire Festival of Polo is a weekend long celebration, promising impressive top-class polo plus fantastic entertainment and a tented shopping village. For polo enthusiasts as well as those who simply enjoy a sociable day out, the Festival of Polo offers something for all.
Thrilling polo programme
Saturday showcases classic fast-paced polo, with two exciting matches starting at 2.30pm. The Maserati Charity Polo Trophy is a four chukka match with Maserati and Piaget sponsored teams, and is a valuable fundraiser for three important charities: England & Wales Mountain Rescue, Household Cavalry Foundation and Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust. The afternoon action is completed with an International Test Match where Piaget Young England will vie for national honours against a Young Ireland team in what promises to be a thrilling and high class five chukka game.
Sunday features a new highlight for the weekend: an exciting Exhibition Match starting at 2.30pm. Spectators will get a real insight into the challenges of polo as Jockeys take on Olympic Legends – all newcomers to polo, and including some seriously famous faces from their respective sports. Spectators will also then witness some of the country’s finest young polo talents in the final of The Javier Novillo Astrada U15 Cup. The Javier Novillo Astrada U15 Cup was founded by the Tomlinson family of Beaufort Polo Club in memory of the player who tragically lost his fight a brain tumour in 2014, and raises money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. If last year is anything to go by, this promises more high class polo and action on the field.
Something for all
Ensuring those attending the event enjoy a full day out, the Gloucestershire Festival of Polo has plenty to offer both on and off the field. High quality trade stands give shoppers a treat, and a programme of arena displays and demonstrations starts at 11am. “This is a popular event for families,” says Mark Tomlinson – a regular member of the England Polo Team and representative of Beaufort Polo Club. “We want people to make a day of it. As well as our great polo line-up, they can see arena attractions, do a spot of shopping, bring a picnic and socialise with friends. They can also enjoy delicious food and drink from the Clubhouse and lawn, and we have a small funfair to keep the children entertained.”
Visit www.beaufortpoloclub.co.uk for news and updates on the event.
The Gloucestershire Festival of Polo
Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19
Beaufort Polo Club, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QW.
Adult day entrance £15; children (under 12s) free.
Opening times: 10:30am-6pm.
