Mark your calendars: Region saddles up for return of popular Pop-Up Polo event

Pop-Up Polo is coming back to the Bundaberg region. See what the 2021 Series Ambassador had to say about the local event.

POP-UP POLO: McMurtrie Consulting Engineers' Kenny Festing, Pop-Up Polo Series Ambassador (2021) Paige Van Lunteren and Takalvans' Braden Krebs.

For those looking for a day out in Bundaberg, mark down June 19 because Pop-up Polo is coming back.

The inaugural event in 2019 saw people flock to the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct by the hundreds and there’s high hopes for a similar turn out this year.

Pop-Up Polo Series Ambassador (2021) Paige Van Lunteren said they were bringing the event back to help promote the region and give the locals an event to get out and enjoy.

“We’ve got an action-packed day of events planned for 2021, we’re bringing back the famous divot stomp, fashions of the field, the men’s and women’s dash and the car verse pony race,” she said.

“We’ve also got $1000 worth of prizes to give away which we’re really excited about.”

This year Pop-Up Polo is closing the Taste Bundaberg Festival and aims to showcase local hospitality and produce.

The Bundaberg Pop-Up Polo event is returning on June 19, 2021 at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct.

Ms Van Lunteren said at the inaugural event in 2019 there was close to 2000 people attend and this year is also proving to be popular with tickets are selling fast.

She said to be able to bring this event to Bundaberg was “really exciting”.

“The polo, I love getting dressed up myself and so I’m very excited to be judging the fashions on the field this year,” she said.

“Rather than fascinators we’re more interested in hats and different styles of headwear.

“In term of dress, we love jumpsuits, something that’s comfortable to get around in, but also very fashionable.”

Ms Van Lunteren said it was unfortunate they couldn’t bring the polo back to Bundy in 2020, but the silver lining was it’s given them additional time to plan and make the event more exciting for this year.

There’s even an After Party planned in the Polo Lounge following the trophy presentation, with DJ Danyon set to entertain the crowd.

DAY OUT: Pop-Up Polo Series Ambassador (2021) Paige Van Lunteren and Takalvans' Braden Krebs excited for the return of the Bundaberg event.

Bundaberg Regional Council Cr John Learmonth said it was great to see the event back in the region for 2021, as it not only brought visitors to the region; but also provided a day-out for the locals.

“I think it’s great to have any big event like this is great for any council, it showcases our area and everything that goes with it – especially coinciding with the Taste Festival,” Cr Learmonth said.

While it would be a decision for the promoters, he said it would be great to keep this event returning to Bundaberg.

Remax Precision’s Scott Mackey it’s been exciting to be involved in the 2021 Bundaberg Pop-Up Polo event.

DAY OUT: McMurtrie Consulting Engineers' Kenny Festing and Pop-Up Polo Series Ambassador (2021) Paige Van Lunteren

“It’s a really good thing to be able to have people coming here for accommodation and people buying and living in this area,” he said.

“When you’re living here, you’re not just in the bricks and mortar of what you own; it’s about having events to go to.

“We’ve got great things like Bundaberg Rum, Kalki Moon and Bundaberg Ginger Beer, but people want to be able to have a lifestyle and somewhere to be able to enjoy, not just in our great restaurants, pubs and beaches; but to be able to dress up and have a great event like this.”

The Bundaberg Pop-Up Polo event is on June 19 at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct.

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