The British Beach Polo Championships will return to the Dorset coast this summer, with the event set to take place at Sandbanks Beach in Poole on 10 and 11 July 2026. Known locally as Sandpolo, the event has become a flagship summer fixture, drawing approximately 8,000 spectators to the area annually for a combination of high-speed sport and evening entertainment.
Founded in 2008 by former British Army Colonel Johnny Wheeler, the tournament is now officially recognised as the largest beach polo event in the world. Matches feature an oversized orange ball designed to be easily visible against the sand, which can reach speeds of up to 100mph during play. The competition is held at Sandbanks, which is widely considered one of the most exclusive beach communities in the United Kingdom and is noted for its Blue Flag status.
The event is supported by BCP Council, which provides logistical assistance including traffic management, additional staffing, and enhanced beach cleansing operations to maintain the site throughout the weekend. Beyond the polo matches, the programme includes evening social gatherings, with a Boogie on the Beach party on Friday and a Ladies Day closing party on Saturday, both featuring entertainment that runs until 1am.
The tournament holds significant personal history, having been co-founded by Wheeler and professional polo player David Heaton-Ellis. Following the death of Heaton-Ellis in 2009 from Motor Neurone Disease, the event has maintained a legacy of charitable support through the Heaton-Ellis Trust, which has raised over £1 million for research into the condition. Detailed information regarding the event and ticket availability can be found at the official Sandpolo website.
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