Great polo and a country fair

By Justine Thompson

Event diary

09 June 2009 10:29

Horse and countryside lovers are in for a real treat with world-class polo combined with a great country fair on June 20.

The season's first International Test Match is to be held at the Beaufort Polo Club in Gloucestershire – and will see England up against Australasia in a thrilling sporting centrepiece to the annual Beaufort Country Fair.

England will be looking to continue their winning streak after a hat-trick of victories last season, including a win over Australia. England captain and Beaufort Polo Club member Luke Tomlinson is relishing the match and keen to make it back-to-back wins over one of England’s oldest enemies.

“You only have to look at the last few results against Australia to see how closely contested these games are. Its going to be a tough first match for the team, especially as they will be looking for revenge after our win in 2008.”

On the Sunday there is also a very popular charity polo match.

The polo matches are a big attraction of the family-orientated Beaufort Country Fair. Spectators will also be treated to a number of new attractions including ‘The Sheep Show’ with their dancing sheep, the National Birds of Prey Centre and the ‘Hound Parade’.

Rural skills, heritage and the ways of the country will be plentiful, and with over 70 high quality stalls and a Country Market, there really is something for all the family.

Beaufort chairman Claire Tomlinson has seen the popularity of this event grow year-on-year: “Every year our main objective is to provide people with a family day out and we try to incorporate lots of country activities and demonstrations alongside the action packed polo to ensure there is something for everyone.”

Tickets cost £20 per car (including all occupants) with a grandstand seat costing £20. Visit www.beaufortpoloclub.co.uk for details.