Duke of Essex Polo Trophy

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On Saturday 9th July 2011 the Duke of Essex Polo Trophy will once again be bringing polo to this wonderful county in a high class, spectacular day of sport, family fun and entertainment. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Gaynes Park Estate, Epping, this year is set to be bigger and better than ever!

Now in its 6th year the Duke of Essex Polo has rightly earned the label of the Essex social event of the year for the social elite and celebrities alike with past guests including Rod Stewart, Penny Lancaster, Pixie Lott, Katie Price, Diversity, Teddy Sheringham, Stacey Solomon and Caprice.

And it is this social elite who take advantage of the fantastic VIP experience this event has to offer. Hosted in both the Dukes and Players marquees the VIP packages provide all the excitement of the polo match with the glamour of a high end hospitality event. As well as the main polo contest and access all areas to the evening activities, guests can enjoy a champagne reception, leading to a 4 course luncheon designed by Gregg Wallace, followed by coffee and petit fours. After lunch, guests will be treated to an array of exclusive entertainment, before the charity auction in aid of The Lord's Taverners and a beautiful catwalk show.

In addition families gather in their thousands to enjoy a great family fun day out for all ages with a huge fun fair, dinky derby, aerobatics display, show jumping championships, marching band, activity stalls and introducing the first ever Celebrity Polo Mini Match.

But the highlight of the day is of course the Duke of Essex Polo Trophy Match. At 16:00, visitors can watch in awe as the polo match ball is delivered by skydivers, descending onto the pitch from the skies above Essex. This unique signature manoeuvre is renowned across the globe as being utterly unique to the Duke of Essex Trophy and is a spectacle that once witnessed will never be forgotten. The skydivers disembark from a military aircraft before plunging 3,000 feet in seconds prior to a high-altitude canopy opening. Flags and smoke will alert the crowds as to the match ball carrier. Once on the ground the skydivers will salute the crowds before presenting the ball for the throw-in. In the match itself Great Britain will be once again defending the title against the rival South American team in what promises to be a high-goal, adrenaline fuelled game.

As the sun goes down and the excitement of the game is over, the two evening marquees open for a night of fantastic entertainment. Once again the Duke’s Marquee will play host to soulful sessions aimed at the 30+crowd, featuring a fantastic line up of swinging, soulful live acts, performing classic numbers to keep you shaking your money maker into the early morning. Acts confirmed for this year so far are the hit 80s music group Kid Creole and the Coconuts, British soul and dance band Imagination plus the Atlantic Band featuring former members of Simply Red.

While over in the Players Marquee Radio 1 DJ Judge Jules, Seb Fontaine and Ibiza's Luke Neville are set to keep the elite party crowd dancing all night. Dress to impress and expect a night glitz and glamour in the company of the county's most infamous socialites.

PLUS, new for 2011 we are delighted to announce the launch of the Gold Cup Corporate Day on Thursday 7th July. This exclusive event combines the thrill of a world class sport with the luxury of a VIP hospitality event and is a perfect venue to entertain staff and clients. Guests will be treated to a champagne and canapés reception, a 3 course luncheon created by Gregg Wallace, meet and greets with the players, full waitress and butler service and afternoon tea as well as the hotly anticipated polo match between Great Britain and the Rest of the World. Following this they can expect a full evening’s entertainment with special guests including Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Jack Whitehall and Imagination.

So book now to enjoy some corporate hospitality, rub shoulders with the social elite or simply soak up the atmosphere at this fantastic polo event.

For more information on the event and booking details call 020 3225 5203 or visit www.dukeofessexpolocup.com.

Ticket Prices:

Gold Cup Corporate Day – Thursday 7th July
The Dukes Package - £240

Duke of Essex Polo – Saturday 9th July

VIP Packages:
Platinum Package - £390
Gold VIP Package - £285
Deluxe package - £185

Family Fun Day:
Adult - £15 in advance
Child (aged 16 years and under) - £7.50 in advance (kids under 3 go free)

Evening Marquees:
Access All Areas - £65
Players - £45
Dukes - £45

Transaction fees apply

EssexTouristGuide.com

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