Joy Davis Hull International – Event Information

Welcome to Kingston Kayak Club’s flagship event – a competitive, friendly, and unforgettable weekend of Canoe Polo in the heart of East Yorkshire.

Contents

About the Tournament

The Joy Davis Hull International Canoe Polo Tournament began in 1990 and has grown into one of the most popular open polo events in the UK. Originally hosted in Hull city centre, the event moved to Dacre Lakeside Park to provide better facilities, onsite camping, and a more inclusive experience for players and spectators alike.

Renamed in memory of Joy Davis, whose passion and dedication to the sport helped grow its reputation, the event now attracts teams from across the UK and abroad. Despite its competitive edge, the tournament maintains its founding principles: fun, good-natured sport, and a welcoming environment for all.

Location & Directions

Venue:
Dacre Lakeside Park
Starcarr Lane, Brandesburton, Driffield, YO25 8RT
What3Words: call.thrashing.support

The venue is approximately 8 miles north of Beverley, just off the A165. Follow signs from Brandesburton village and Hainsworth Park Golf Club. The tournament site will be clearly signposted.

The map above can be expanded and show the Camping Area, Pitches, First Aid, Facilities, food and supermarkets in the local area.

Camping & Accommodation

  • Camping fee: £20 per unit per night (tent, caravan, or motorhome)
  • Charged by: Dacre Lakeside Park – payable by cash or card on arrival
  • Participants will be directed to pitch or park by event marshals
  • In wet conditions, vehicle access may be restricted to protect the field

Facilities

  • New permanent toilet block installed on the event field
  • Unisex facilities available across the site
  • Clubhouse bar open Friday and Saturday evenings
  • Bert’s Pizzeria with woodfired oven – pre-booking strongly advised
  • Local services in Brandesburton: two pubs, fish & chip shop, Chinese takeaway

Schedule

  • Friday: Registration from 6:00pm to 11:00pm at the campsite entrance
  • Saturday:
    • 07:30 – Captains’ Meeting in Bert’s Car Park
    • 08:00 – Matches begin promptly on all pitches
  • Sunday: 08:00 – Competition resumes on all pitches
  • Final: Followed immediately by the Presentation Ceremony

Stay Connected – WhatsApp Group

All team captains and players are encouraged to join our WhatsApp group for the Joy Davis Hull International 2025.

This group acts as a digital public address system — allowing us to share real-time updates, schedule changes, pitch news, and social announcements throughout the weekend.

Scan the QR code below to join:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/EJR9uLRACHgDxDdv4geFSX

Tournament Format & Officiating

  • Four pitches in use for 2025
  • Division 1:
    • First-named team officiates the following match
    • Provide: 2 referees, timekeepers, goal line judges, and shot clocks
  • Divisions 2–4:
    • First-named team covers lead referee and table officials
    • Second-named team provides assistant referee
  • Teams must bring their own balls and referees must bring their own whistles

Conduct & Site Rules

  • Swearing from players and spectators will not be tolerated
  • Repeated swearing will be sanctioned at the discretion of event organisers
  • Respect site boundaries: Pitch 2 and nearby lodges are off-limits to spectators
  • All equipment must be stored in designated boat areas – not left on pontoons
  • Footwear and buoyancy aids are required on the pontoons
  • Portable BBQs are permitted but must not damage grass (charges may apply)
  • All rubbish should go into general waste bins – sorted off-site for recycling

Safety & Medical

  • Qualified first aider present on site at all times
  • First aid kits located in timekeeper boxes for each pitch
  • Defibrillator available at the Dacre Lakeside Bar
  • Closest Hospital – Beverley UTC
  • Report all incidents or injuries to the control tent immediately

Medical Declarations

Any player with a pre-existing condition that may affect participation must inform the event organisers in advance. We may require a note from a GP confirming fitness to compete.

Requests for reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 must be submitted in writing before the event. If any issues arise during the tournament, they must be reported before the player competes again.

Social & Entertainment

  • Onsite clubhouse bar open Friday and Saturday nights
  • Excellent local hospitality including Bert’s Pizzeria and nearby village pubs

Non-Paddling Activities

Looking for activities to do for the non-paddlers in the group? Dacre Lakeside has both Crazy Golf and Foot Golf – and don’t forget the seaside is only a short drive away.

Share Your Weekend!

We’d love to see your best moments from the tournament — whether it’s a dramatic match-winning goal, campsite camaraderie, or just your team having fun in the sun.

Please tag us on social media and use the hashtags #JDHI and #JDHI2025 so we can share your photos and stories. You’ll find us at:

If you have any questions before or during the event, please contact us at hullinternational@kkc.org.uk

Thank You

Thank you to all participants, referees, and volunteers. Special thanks to Dacre Lakeside Park for hosting us. If you have questions or need help during the event, please visit the control tent or speak with a Kingston Kayak Club team member.

We wish everyone an enjoyable, fair, and fun-filled weekend on and off the water!

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Dacre Lakeside Park