Spectacular Airnorth Cable Beach Polo returns to Broome
MEDIA RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
27 March 2017
Lauded as glamorous as a Ralph Lauren ad campaign and revered as Australia’s only beach polo tournament that “has it all,” the sensational Airnorth Cable Beach Polo is returning to Broome this year, bringing even more glitz, glamour and top sporting action to the town.
The two-day tournament will be held on Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21.
A highlight of Broome’s social calendar, Cable Beach Polo attracts people from around Australia and the world including elite players, high profile celebrities, business identities and international tourists.
The weekend event will showcase a kaleidoscope of sport, high-end fashion, glamour and live entertainment, set on Broome’s iconic and world-famous Cable Beach.
Airnorth Cable Beach Polo Producer, Marilynne Paspaley AM, said all four teams have now been confirmed to compete in 10-goal handicap matches in the 2017 tournament, with players set to be announced in the near future.
Hailed as a “picture perfect playing field,” Ms Paspaley said the tournament was renowned because of its unique setting, which was unlike anywhere else in the world.
“This is a unique beach polo tournament because the sand conditions on Cable Beach, we believe are the best sand conditions in the world,” she said.
“The tides are so high, they wash the field and compact the sand naturally, making it a truly ideal playing surface.”
Ms Paspaley said the event was also the most logistically challenging beach polo tournament hosted internationally.
“We are the most remote, it’s very rare to have such an extravaganza in such a remote location,” she said.
“This year, we’re transporting up to 50 horses from Perth. Every player needs four horses per match…that in itself is a major challenge.”
A host of major sponsors have thrown their support behind this year’s event including Airnorth, Paspaley and Merchant Shipping.
Ms Paspaley said Broome businesses have also come on board to offer in-kind support reaching a record high of more than $200,000 this year, with the Mangrove Hotel announced as the Official Hotel Partner of the 2017 event.
Celebrations will kick off with the Official Welcome launch of Airnorth Cable Beach Polo 2017 on Friday, May 19, featuring a private cocktail party for sponsors and guests at Pinctada McAlpine House. A polo party will also be held for the general public at The Mangrove Hotel.
On Saturday, gates will open from 10am-2pm for day one of the polo tournament, showcasing the Patron Challenge and Kimberley Challenge.
Barefooted patrons can catch all the thrills of the polo matches from the luxurious setting of the VIP Marquee, while enjoying mezze cuisine and premium beverages including Veuve Clicquot champagne.
Special guests will include Sneaky Sound System’s charismatic DJ Daimon Downey and actress and fashionista Georgia Gorman.
Spectators can watch the sporting spectacle picnic-style for free from the sand against the backdrop of shimmering turquoise waters and colourful skies.
Later in the evening, the lavish Dinner under the Stars will return, with award-winning Sydney chef Hamish Ingham set to host an intimate and unique dining experience for 200 guests on Cable Beach.
The extravaganza will continue on Sunday with players vying for the Broome Cup IV and the Paspaley Cup IV in the polo tournament finals. Entertainment will feature Country and Western singer Chelsea Basham and renowned Australian sand sculptor Peter Redmond.
Celebrations will linger late into the night with the exclusive Cable Beach Polo After Party – a new event featuring on the polo calendar.
Tickets are limited to the marquees and enclosures. To purchase tickets, book an accommodation package or for program information visit www.cablebeachpolo.com.au.
For more information or to request hi-res images, please contact: Nicola Kalmar, Press Officer
M: 0459 402 229
E: [email protected]