A Guide To Chestertons Polo In The Park 2023

One of the biggest social sporting events of the summer, Chestertons Polo in the Park returns to London from 9–11 June 2023 at Fulham’s Hurlingham Park. It’s the world’s largest polo festival, with six teams from around the world competing in the hopes of winning the Polo in the Park trophy. We have all the details below.

Chestertons Polo In The Park 2023: Everything You Need To Know

The History

Polo has a long-standing connection with Hurlingham Park. It was first played there back in 1874, and has since become the UK’s home of polo, hosting the 1908 Olympic Polo Final alongside the prestigious ‘Westchester Cup’ between England and the USA from 1910–1939.

The Polo

For total newbies, polo is a horseback ball game played between two teams of four players each. The oldest of equestrian sports, it sees players using mallets to drive a wooden ball down a grass field and between two goal posts. Visitors to Polo in the Park – which has been sponsored by estate agents Chestertons for over a decade – may notice the format is a more fast and furious type of polo, which quickens the game and brings spectators closer to the action.

Last year was a particularly special event, as Chestertons played host to London’s first ever Ladies International Test Match, with England competing against team USA; it was the first time a women’s international was played in London.

Each day will be slightly different, though visitors can guarantee they’ll see a minimum of three games on each one. The first day, Friday 9 June, is Cudo Compute International Friday, kickstarting the tournament with an action packed day, including the England Polo Team. Saturday 10 June is Ladies Day, which opens at midday, with the Ladies International Match taking place at 1.30pm. Finals Day, meanwhile, is ideal for families, with a finale match to crown the tournament champions taking place at 5pm.

The Food & Drink At Chestertons Polo In The Park

Fulham Food Festival will run alongside Polo in the Park for another year this year, following a successful debut in 2022. This will see local restaurants and street food stalls pitching up at the event, including Gaucho, BBQ Dept, Calamari Canteen, Chick’n’sours and Island Poke. Pop-up bars from the likes of Champagne Lanson, Pimm’s and Fever Tree will also be dotted around.

A day party will also place on the Sunday, and for those keen to continue the fun afterwards, many bars nearby will be hosting afterparties, including Callooh Callay, The Little Blue Door, Raffles and The Chelsea Lodge.

A number of VIP drinking and dining packages are also on offer. The Garden Club package includes afternoon tea, and complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks all day, plus access to the Garden Club area. The High Goal, meanwhile, includes access to a pitchside facility in the garden, with a Champagne Lanson reception, afternoon tea and a two-course lunch with matched wines. Patron is the most exclusive ticket option, offering the chance to host guests in a private suite, with a three-course lunch, full complimentary bar, and afternoon tea featuring ‘the best sausage rolls ever’.

Family Activities At Polo In The Park

Sunday is the designated family day, with plenty of activities for children on offer. Sharky and George will lead a its ‘Survival of the Fittest’ pitch invasion, a collection of challenges – from a tug-of-war to strawberry bootlace races – culminating in a huge water fight. Elsewhere, Chelsea Football Club and Hammersmith & Fulham Rugby Club will host skills sessions, while Westcroft Park Polo Club will teach little ones how to play polo. The Little Hooves Kids Club, too, will feature storytelling, face painting, soft play and bouncy castles.

BOOK:

Tickets available now at polointheparklondon.com