Sandbanks SandPolo festival is back on for the summer

SandPolo 2021, which is centred around the British Beach Polo Championships and features two beach party events, will take place this summer if Covid restrictions are scaled back, as anticipated.

An event organiser said: "Providing the four national tests for easing restrictions are met, as set out in the Government road map, the social event of the summer, Sandpolo, should be able to make a welcome return to your calenders on July 9/10 (under step four guidelines).

"Should there be any delay to this easing, we have back-up dates in place on September 17/18."

The 2019 British Beach Polo Championships at Sandbanks

And organisers say that, if the worst happens, and September is not possible – tickets will be carried forward to 2022 or are refundable.

The event, cancelled last year because of the pandemic, takes place at Sandbanks Beach.

It usually attracts crowds of around 5,000 and the beach parties are a highlight for many.

Read more: Camp Bestival set to go ahead at Lulworth Castle this summer

In 2019, the 12th annual SandPolo event at Sandbanks, The House & Garage Orchestra, and Radio 1's Nick Grimshaw entertained the revellers.

The 2019 British Beach Polo Championships at Sandbanks

The spokesman said: "The polo at Sandbanks – the British Beach Polo Championships – is the largest beach polo event in the world.

"When polo is played in an enclosed arena it has been referred to as ‘Ice Hockey on Horse Back’.

"Spectators are close to the action, they can fully appreciate the horsemanship, speed and gladiatorial nature of polo.

"The polo ponies love the sand – they can accelerate, turn on a sixpence and stop in a heartbeat."

Visit sandpolo.com for further details and to buy tickets.