Joy Davis Hull International – Event Information

2026 Event Information

Joy Davis Hull International Canoe Polo Tournament

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th July 2026

Dacre Lakeside Park, Brandesburton, East Yorkshire

Welcome to Kingston Kayak Club’s flagship event — a competitive, friendly and unforgettable weekend of canoe polo in the heart of East Yorkshire.

Key Information at a Glance

Dates
Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th July 2026
Venue
Dacre Lakeside Park, YO25 8RT
Camping
£20 per unit per night, payable to Dacre on arrival
Captains’ Meeting
Saturday 07:30 in Bert’s car park
First Matches
Saturday 08:00
View Confirmed Entries Contact the Organisers Team Checklist

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 shows the camping area, pitches, first aid, facilities, food options and supermarkets in the local area.

Arrival Advice

Please follow event signage and marshal instructions when arriving on site. Teams arriving on Saturday morning should allow enough time to park, unload, register and be ready for the captains’ meeting and first matches.

Camping & Accommodation

  • Camping fee: £20 per unit per night, covering tents, caravans and motorhomes.
  • Charged by: Dacre Lakeside Park — payable by cash or card on arrival.
  • Booking: you do not need to book camping in advance.
  • Participants will be directed to pitch by event marshals.
  • In wet conditions, vehicle access may be restricted to protect the field.

Quiet Hours

Please keep noise to a minimum after 23:00. We want everyone to enjoy the social side of the weekend, but teams must respect other campers, families, junior players, local residents and Dacre Lakeside Park guests.

Facilities

Onsite 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

Brandesburton has useful local services including two pubs, a fish & chip shop and a Chinese takeaway.

Teams should still arrive prepared with suitable food, water and supplies for the weekend, especially if travelling with junior players or arriving late.

Protecting Our Waterways – Invasive Species

Invasive non-native species have been identified in the lake at Dacre Lakeside Park. These organisms can pose serious risks to other rivers and lakes by disrupting ecosystems and spreading rapidly through contaminated equipment.

To help prevent the spread of invasive species, we ask that all participants and visitors:

  • Thoroughly inspect all boats, paddles, buoyancy aids, spray decks, footwear and any kit that has been in contact with the water.
  • Remove all visible plant matter, mud and debris before leaving the site — especially from hidden areas like cockpits, drain holes and under seats.
  • Ensure all equipment is fully dried, ideally for at least 48 hours, before using it at another venue.

Your cooperation is essential to protect the environment and maintain access to paddling venues across the country.

Schedule

Day Time Activity
Saturday 07:30 Captains’ meeting in Bert’s car park.
Saturday 08:00 Matches begin promptly on all pitches.
Sunday 08:00 Competition resumes on all pitches.
Sunday After the final Presentation ceremony.

Times may be adjusted if required. Any changes will be communicated through tournament control and official update channels.

Stay Connected – WhatsApp Group

All team captains and players are encouraged to join our WhatsApp group for the Joy Davis Hull International 2026.

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:

Tournament Format & Officiating

  • Four pitches are planned for use in 2026.
  • Teams must check the schedule carefully for both matches and officiating duties.
  • Teams must provide officials promptly when scheduled.
  • Teams must bring their own balls and referees must bring their own whistles.

Division 1

  • The first-named team officiates the following match.
  • Required officials: 2 referees, timekeepers, goal line judges and shot clocks.

Divisions 2–4

  • The first-named team covers the lead referee and table officials.
  • The second-named team provides the assistant referee.

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 for damage.
  • All rubbish should go into general waste bins, which are sorted off-site for recycling.

Water and Pontoon Safety

Please keep pontoons, launch areas and access routes clear. Children must be supervised near the water at all times, and spectators should not access pontoons or pitch areas unless authorised by organisers.  We advise referees to use footwear while on the pontoons.

Safety & Medical

  • A qualified first aider will be present on site at all times.
  • First aid kits are located in timekeeper boxes for each pitch.
  • A defibrillator is available at Dacre Lakeside Park.
  • Closest urgent treatment facility: Beverley UTC.
  • Report all incidents or injuries to the control tent immediately.

Emergency Location

Dacre Lakeside Park, Starcarr Lane, Brandesburton, Driffield, YO25 8RT

What3Words: call.thrashing.support

In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 or 112 immediately.

AED / Defibrillator

A Public Access Defibrillator is located next to the main entrance of the Dacre Lakeside Park reception building. It is mounted on the wall in a green and yellow cabinet, clearly marked DEFIBRILLATOR.

In the event of a cardiac emergency:

  1. Dial 999 or 112 immediately.
  2. Remain calm and follow the call handler’s instructions.
  3. State your location clearly: Dacre Lakeside Park, Starcarr Lane, Brandesburton, YO25 8RT.
  4. You may be given an unlock code for the AED cabinet.
  5. Follow the voice-guided steps provided by the defibrillator once opened.

Full instructions are also printed clearly on the outside of the cabinet.

Medical Declarations

Any player with a pre-existing condition that may affect participation must inform the event organisers in advance. 

If any issues arise during the tournament, they must be reported before the player competes again.

Contact: hullinternational@kkc.org.uk

Social & Entertainment

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

The Joy Davis Hull International is not just about the polo. It is also a social weekend for players, families, supporters and volunteers.

Non-Paddling Activities

Looking for activities for the non-paddlers in the group? Dacre Lakeside Park has both crazy golf and foot golf, and 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 #JDHI2026 so we can share your photos and stories.

Photography, Video and Drones

Photography and video may be taken during the event by spectators, teams and organisers. If you have a safeguarding concern about photography or filming, please speak to tournament control or a Kingston Kayak Club welfare representative.

Drone use is not permitted without prior agreement from the event organisers and Dacre Lakeside Park.

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.

Contact: hullinternational@kkc.org.uk

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