SandFest is a beach festival held on the golden sands of Sandbanks in Poole, taking place on 12 July 2026 alongside the Sandpolo tournament. Now in its ninth year, it combines the spectacle of beach polo with live music and a proper seaside party on one of the south coast’s most famous stretches of shore.
What to expect
The day pairs sport with festivity — riders and horses contest the Sandpolo matches on a pitch built right on the beach, while stages, food and drink, and a relaxed summer crowd bring a festival atmosphere to the water’s edge. Sandbanks itself is a natural draw, a slender peninsula of pale sand between Poole Harbour and the open sea.
Planning your visit
Sandbanks sits a short way south of Poole town centre and is popular in summer, so parking and transport are worth planning in advance. Line-ups, timings and ticket details are confirmed closer to the day, so check the official listing for the latest information before you set off.
Dates & times
- 12 July 2026