Sand Polo
Summer’s most stylish weekend returns to Sandbanks, Poole
Since its launch back in 2008, Sandpolo has grown into the world’s leading beach polo event, blending high-adrenaline sport with luxury hospitality, live entertainment and coastal lifestyle. Thousands now attend the two-day celebration each year, drawn by the rare combination of professional polo played directly on the beach, stylish hospitality experiences and a vibrant party atmosphere that continues long after the final chukka.
Sandpolo takes place this year on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July, and once again is set to transform Dorset’s famous coastline into a vibrant beachfront arena, bringing together world-class beach polo, live music, fashion and high-summer celebration across an unforgettable two-day event.
Where the Sandpolo story began
When Johnny Wheeler first launched Sandpolo back in 2008, the ambition was simple but bold: to bring the drama of polo to the beach and create an event that captured the spirit, style and social energy of the South Coast.
Nearly two decades later, that vision has grown into one of the defining moments of the Dorset summer calendar. Each year thousands gather on Sandbanks beach for a weekend that blends sport, hospitality and entertainment in a setting few events in the country can rival.
For Johnny Wheeler, the event has always been about more than just polo. It is about creating an atmosphere a place where friends meet, businesses entertain, and visitors discover the unique coastal lifestyle that makes Sandbanks such a special destination.
Like many events and hospitality ventures, Sandpolo has faced its share of challenges over the years. The pandemic brought the global events industry to a standstill and tested the resilience of organisers across the country. Yet the event returned stronger, continuing to draw crowds eager to celebrate summer by the sea. In an industry that has weathered economic pressures and changing social habits, Sandpolo’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to deliver something rare that is a full day, or even a full weekend, where sport, music, fashion and beachside dining combine into a truly memorable experience.
Johnny Wheeler says: “The goal has always been to create a moment in the summer when people simply want to gather and enjoy themselves, and nearly twenty years on, Sandpolo continues to do exactly that. From the energy of Boogie Nights to the glamour of Ladies Day, the weekend brings together sport, music, fashion and celebration in one of the most unique settings in the country. With an exciting line-up for 2026, we’re looking forward to welcoming guests back to Sandbanks Beach for another unforgettable year”.
Boogie Nights launches the celebrations
The weekend begins on Friday evening with the return of the much-loved ‘Boogie Nights’, setting the tone for Sandpolo 2026 with a powerful celebration of soul, funk, Motown and disco on the sand. Headlining the opening night are British acid-jazz pioneers The Brand New Heavies, joined by actor, DJ and BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Craig Charles and powerhouse vocalist Angie Brown.
Together, the line-up promises an electrifying start to the South Coast’s summer season, where music lovers gather to celebrate beneath the stars on one of Britain’s most exclusive stretches of coastline.
Glamour takes centre stage on Ladies Day
The celebrations continue on Saturday 11 July as Sandpolo ‘Ladies Day’ returns to the golden sands with a fresh wave of fashion, glamour and feel-good music, this year with a playful nineties and noughties-inspired twist.
‘Ladies Day’ is one of the South Coast’s most anticipated social occasions, where fashion takes centre stage with some truly head-turning looks. Guests arrive dressed to impress, embracing statement summer style for the chance to be crowned Sandpolo’s ‘Best Dressed Man’ and ‘Best Dressed Woman’.
Providing the soundtrack for the day will be the feel-good collective Discolicious, featuring Jemma Bolt, Jules Cameron and Woody Cook. Known for their uplifting blend of disco, house and sunshine-drenched energy, the trio bring an infectious party atmosphere perfectly suited to a summer celebration by the sea.
Adding to the excitement is pop icon Peter Andre, whose unmistakable voice and chart-topping hits promise a welcome dose of nineties nostalgia, while British pop favourites The Vamps will deliver their high-energy live performance, packed with infectious anthems that have made them a firm festival favourite.
A highlight of the British summer season
Now firmly established as a highlight of the UK’s suseason, Sandpolo blends elite sport with entertainment, fine dining and a standout party atmosphere, attracting guests from across the country to experience a weekend where seaside glamour meets high-energy spectacle. See you on the beach.
For ticket information and hospitality packages, visit www.sandpolo.com
