A RAFT of celebrities and hundreds of people are enjoying the sun, fun and fine dining at the annual Duke of Essex Polo Trophy today.

Pop star Gareth Gates, DIY favourite Nick Knowles and glamour model Bianca Gascoigne are just three of the famous names enjoying the annual event in Gaynes Park, Epping.

Stars of television hit The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) arrived by helicopter and ate a four-course lunch created by Masterchef cook Gregg Wallace.

The show’s Mark Wright, Lauren Goodger, Chloe Sims, Joey Essex, Kirk Norcross and Lauren Pope are attending as well as Made In Chelsea stars Spencer Matthews, Ollie Locke, Gabriella Ellis, Funda Onal and Cheska Hull.

TOWIE’s James ‘Arg’ Argent will also perform later at the after party, while fans will welcome members of the UK’s Eurovision representatives Blue, as well as stars from East 17 and Boyzone.

Dad of the year and pop singer, Peter Andre, is this year’s guest of honour and will open the polo match at 4.30pm by throwing in the ball for the Duke of Essex UK team and its South American rivals.

People feared rain would spoil the day but the sun has shone strongly to let families witness horses show jumping and riders jousting.

Children are delighted by the bouncy castles, donkey rides and fairground attractions the Trophy also has to offer, while parents are relaxing on deckchairs in the warm afternoon.

The exclusive after party will feature live DJ sets from Judge Jules, Seb Fontaine and Luke Neville and the night will continue until 2am.

The day is hoped to raise thousands of pounds for the Lord's Taverners charity, after a similar amount was collected for Haven House children's hospice, in Woodford Green, last year.

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