An action-packed weekend of polo, Pimm's and ponies raised over £130,000 for three charities.
The Norfolk Polo Festival, hosted at Langley Abbey Estate, kicked off on Friday, July 7, with the inaugural Norfolk Polo Royal Charity Cup, with a playing appearance from the Duke of Cambridge.
The event continued across the weekend with members of the public flooding through the gates, where they were treated to four games of polo each day, along with entertainment for the whole family. Attractions included a visit from the East Anglian Air Ambulance helicopter with an opportunity for visitors to meet the crew.
The air ambulance is one of the charities set to benefit from this year's event, along with SkillForce and the English Schools Swimming Association.
A diverse range of matches were played over the weekend, with the Royal Match ending in a 4-4 draw after a last-minute goal, resulting in a gentlemen's agreement to share the Royal Cup. The Birkett's Counties Derby Match, on the Saturday was a close game with Norfolk beating Suffolk 5 to 4.5 goals to be awarded the Doctors Laser Clinic Derby Dish.
After qualifying games on the Saturday, the win for the Norse Premiere Bowl Final (zero goals) on the Sunday went to Polo International when they played Mansfield Advisors and won seven goals to three. The weekend was rounded off in style with the Birketts Counties Cup Final (four goals) where Norfolk claimed victory over Cambridge, with eight goals to six.
An extra special weekend was had by brothers Charlie and Tom Townsend, who played against the Duke of Cambridge in the Royal Match on Friday, then claimed a triple win with the Derby, zero goal and four goal finals.
Director of Norfolk Polo, Rebecca Townsend said: 'The weekend was hugely enjoyable and we'd like to thank everyone who helped to make it the outstanding success it was, for the three charities involved. With the festival now being in its seventh year, it's so rewarding to see it grow in popularity each year and for polo to secure a place in the county's social calendar.'
For more information visit www.norfolkpolo.co.uk
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