Chestertons Polo in the Park

The annual Chestertons Polo in the Park celebration has swiftly joined Ascot and Wimbledon as a staple of the summer season for well-heeled West London types.

Normally you have to travel to the home counties and beyond to get a glimpse of the royals' favourite sport, but for three days this June, Fulham's Hurlingham Park is transformed in to a polo festival. Chestertons Polo in the Park showcases the riding talents of six world-class teams and their ponies. They play a faster-paced version of the sport, which is simple to follow even if you don't know a chukka from a mallet. And for real polo buffs, the real excitement is the England international match on Friday 10 June.

As well as at least three matches a day there's a shopping village, food vans and a vast array of drinking spots, dominated by Pimm's and champagne. The formal dress code adds a sense of occasion (and extra divots to stomp in the grass, thanks to all the spiky heels).

Though the crowd is dominated by aspiring and inebriated Made In Chelsea types, who decamp to the Sloaney Pony (Parsons Green's White Horse pub) come nightfall, there's also plenty to appeal to families. On the morning of Sunday 11 June there's a grandscale 'Pitch Invasion' for children.

Tickets start at £15, but there's an exclusive deal for Culture Whisper followers – enter CWPOLO at checkout to receive £5 off the full-price Friday and Sunday tickets