There’s Wimbledon, there’s Henley and then there’s the British Beach Polo Championships at Sandbanks, Poole.

One of the top sporting and social events of the summer season kicked off today for its fourth year.

Top international polo players saddled up to show off their skills on the golden sands of the resort’s premier beach.

“The British Beach Polo Championships really is the hottest ticket in town at the moment and we are really pleased that people are so excited about the event,” said organiser Johnny Wheeler from Sandpolo.

With the England team captained by Jack Kidd taking on Glen Gilmore and his Australian team for the first time, fast and furious horsemanship is guaranteed.

With two polo matches as well as the international polo finale, fashion shows, the sporting stars of Oakley Beach Volleyball, charity races and much more, the Daily Echo-backed event goes from strength to strength.

Saturday’s event is sold out and both days end with spectacular parties, with tonight’s Wave 105 action at the hands of DJs Steve Power and Mark Collins and chart-toppers The Hoosiers playing a live set.

Tomorrow top London club Amika’s line-up includes live music from Pola, X Factor finalist John Wilding, Bloomfield Avenue and top international DJ, Colin ‘StarRocker’ Pereira.

Popular attractions include have-a-go polo and spot the celebrity stalking the sands.

With the cast from Channel 4’s hit reality show Made in Chelsea taking on the professionals in a charity beach polo match, there will be thrills a-plenty.

Two charities will benefit from the action-packed and exciting event, Julia’s House children’s hospice and The Heaton-Ellis Trust, working to cure motor neurone disease.