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On the 17th July the beautiful surroundings of the Gaynes Park Estate will once again host The Duke of Essex Polo Trophy. The event, now in its 5th year brings polo to the masses, giving everyone the opportunity to experience this thrilling, fast-paced sport – not forgetting the huge array of entertainment that accompanies the polo match.

The 2009 event saw over 8,000 people attend and established the day as one of the premier events in the Essex calendar. The event changed hands in 2009, having been acquired by events specialists Media 10; the change of owners bringing immediate success with the Duke of Essex Polo Trophy winning numerous awards just months after the Epping-based company took over the reins. Media 10 can add this event to its ever-growing list of award-winning exhibitions, festivals and magazines – the highest profile being the Ideal Home Show and Grand Designs Live. Formed only 7 years ago Media 10 is now renowned as the fastest growing and most inspirational company in the industry with over half a million people expected to attend Media 10 events in 2010.

Lee Newton, MD of Media 10 commented, “The Duke of Essex Polo Trophy was arguably the event of the year in Essex in 2009 – the success was beyond our expectations with over 8,000 people descending on Gaynes Park on a beautiful summer’s day to watch polo, enjoy the entertainment throughout the day and into the evening. We feel that we have put on an event that caters for all – families can attend to watch the polo, airshows, jousting, funfair, market stalls and soak up the sun with a picnic; for the night owls there are 2 marquees offering live music, top DJs and special guests; or for those wanting to make that day special we cater for 1,000 VIP guests who will receive a 4 course lunch courtesy of our celebrity chef. It really is a great experience to see so many people from the area enjoying the day and the evening. With all our events we put the visitor experience as the most important aspect and cannot wait for July 17 this year!”

Taking on the event for the first time last year, it was Media Ten’s goal to stage a much larger polo event than had been seen in previous years, with a range of activities to suit every type of visitor. Polo is no longer seen as a reserve of the upper crust, and in recent years its audiences have diversified to include all levels of society who can engage in different aspects of the sport.

The Duke of Essex Polo Cup has been influential in the democratization of polo, precisely by offering an event that not only promotes the sport, but does so effectively to a wide cross section of society. Local families and the general public are drawn by the aristocratic allure and celebrity involvement or the event, which attracts the social elite of Essex and East London who can enjoy fantastic VIP treatment in packages that involve helicopter arrival, champagne receptions and private waiting staff for each party. But this level of exclusivity is offered alongside an overall relaxed, down to earth day of fun activities and entertainment which is open and affordable to all.

Following the success last year, the Duke of Essex Polo Trophy has become a must-attend event and a key fixture on the social and celebrity circuit, attracting a host of well-recognised faces to the hospitality marquees and the evening festivities. Previous guests include Katie Price, Rod Stewart, Joe Cole, Simon Webb, Danielle Lloyd, Caprice and Nick Knowles.

Some of what will be offered this year includes a host of activities to keep the children entertained, such as a funfair, face painting, marching bands, show jumping, BBQs, picnics, jousting, aerobatics displays and sky divers. Plus there will be exclusive performances in the family and VIP enclosures by Britain’s Got Talent’s winning street dance group DIVERSITY.

But the highlight of the day for many is the main event: the exciting Duke of Essex Polo Cup match between Great Britain and South America. This year, Great Britain are fighting to hold the title against the South American team, and it’s sure to be another high-goal, adrenaline fuelled game. For many it is the first time that they experienced a day at the polo and if last year’s match is anything to go by the people of Essex have taken the game to their hearts. Lee Newton commented, “What an amazing sight to see thousands of people cheering and shouting support for a polo match…by the time the 17th July comes along the World Cup will be distant memory so people should come along and see some fast-action sport in front of their eyes, rather than from their armchairs. Our vision is to see the Duke of Essex Polo become the largest polo match in England – we are already the 3rd largest and this event will just get better and better”

For this year the event has partnered with Haven House Children’s Hospice as charity partners, and as Lee Newton commented he could not think of a more worthy charity. “We hope that the event will raise lots of money for Haven House – as they do such an incredible job in offering support for children in the area. We are proud to be teaming up with a charity that is held in such high regard and hope that people donate generously – make sure you fill those collection buckets…and for the VIPs we are hoping for some big donations for our auction prizes and raffle. We want the people of Essex to really make a difference to Haven House and if the polo can aid in the money-raising efforts then that will make us all at Media 10 very proud.”

So make it a date in your diary – July 17th at Gaynes Park, Epping and don’t forget that there’s a whole range of activities on offer, suitable for families, friends, sport lovers and VIPs alike. And if you’re looking for something a bit grander, the exclusive VIP packages offer the opportunity to rub shoulders with Essex’s social elite. Or just come along for the day and soak in the great atmosphere and unrivalled entertainment at this spectacular day.

For more information on the event or to book tickets, call 01992 563433 or visit www.dukeofessexpolocup.com

Information
Date: 17th July 2010
Venue: Gaynes Park Estate, Epping, Essex
Pricing: Family Fun Day: £5 Kids / £10 Adult in advance, £7.50 Kids / £15 Adults on the day
Evening Only: £40 entrance to Player’s Marquee, £40 entrance to Duke’s Marquee, £60 Access All Areas ticket
VIP Packages also available from £175 per person

EssexTouristGuide.com

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