THOUSANDS of people are expected to flock to the 12th annual Sandpolo event at Sandbanks Beach later this summer.

The dates for the festival, which stages the British Beach Polo Championships, have been set and preparations are intensifying.

Beach parties that follow the day's polo and fashion show are a highlight for many, and this year The House & Garage Orchestra, and Radio 1's Nick Grimshaw will be entertaining the revellers.

Making a welcome return to the Daily Echo-supported event this year is Sandscrum, five-a-side exhibition beach rugby.

But the highlight is the competitive polo games, played under the authority of the Hurlngham Polo Association.

Model and polo player Jodie Kidd said: "You simply cannot beat the polo at Sandbanks.

"It attracts some of the world’s top players who stay to party into the early hours alongside the fashionable crowd."

The two-day tournament at Sandbanks is billed as the largest beach polo event in the world, attracting crowds of 5,000.

A Sandpolo spokesman said: "The polo attracts four competitive medium goal teams of three players.

"Each team plays on both days with a further exhibition game on the Saturday. A charity race is held between the two fastest ponies on each day.

"International teams are welcome and bring an interesting dimension.

"The event has welcomed Australian, South African, Argentinian, Irish and Welsh teams amongst others.

"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 and stop fast and can turn extremely sharply. The thrill and excitement of horses galloping on the sand with the English Channel as a backdrop, whilst sipping champagne amongst glamorous company, is a vision to remember – an intoxicating mix."

Sandpolo returns to Sandbanks Beach, Poole, on Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13.

Visit sandpolo.com for further details.