Revellers sipped champagne on hay bales and danced to live music all whilst watching top class sporting action as the 'the sport of kings' came to Chelmsford this weekend.
The two-day Dukes polo weekend began yesterday against the backdrop of Hylands House and crowds from all over Essex and further afield came to enjoy the turbulent ,high-octane and sometimes high-risk game of polo.
During Saturday afternoon the sport which normally counts The Windsor's as its fans became the scene for a new episode of The Only Way is Essex with filming taking place in the VIP area with reality stars such as James Argent, Charlie Sims and Lauren Pope in attendance.
The sport which was traditionally an interest of the upper classes came to life with an array of activities that will keep the whole family entertained all weekend with the sport culminating with a battle for The Dukes Polo Trophy.
Also on show, visitors were treated to a range of entertainment from show jumping to aerial acrobatics and funfair rides to performances by live bands.
In a fenced off corner of the field a VIP Hospitality enclosure welcomed guests for a seven-course dinner and an auction that supported the Rhys Daniels Trust.
And even though Essex doesn't have a rich polo history Royston Prisk, 37, who was representing the Dutch team in a match versus Argentina, believes it is getting bigger here.
He said: "This tournament is always lots of fun, I've been coming to Essex for the last four years and I always have a good time.
"It's a lovely day and a great place to play because everyone here is so friendly and welcoming.
"Although polo isn't huge in Essex it is getting bigger and every year and I'm sure next year will be even better still."
The Bloodhound project, which will take on the challenge of becoming the world's fastest car in 2015, was on show along with vintage buses serving drinks, bouncy castles and animal rides for children.
NHS nurse Tina Carsley, 44, who was attending with her two children was enjoying her first time watching polo, said: "It's really quite something to watch.
"It must command a lot of skill and effort to play polo, I came because I was curious about the sport and it sounded like a fun day for children too.
"It's a sport you wouldn't normally associate with Essex but I thought it works well here – we can be quite glamorous here," said the Chelmsford resident.
And enjoying the VIP enclosure hairdresser Jessica Vicks, 24, from Colchester, felt that the sport could be enjoyed by all.
She said: "I like that there is a family element to the day. You can see all ages here enjoying themselves.
"It's not just about drinking champagne in the sun, it's about getting together and having a laugh whilst watching sport."
