The British summer social scene and sports calendar wouldn't be the same without Royal Ascot. In a changing world, this is a national treasure of which we can always be sure. It raises the bar with a distinguished sense of occasion - a horse racing festival par excellence that has earned our affection and respect. Traditional, yes. Predictable, no. If you think it's all top hat and tails, with more starch than your local dry cleaners, think again.
Royal Ascot's legendary strict dress code is an excuse to dress up to the nines and be rewarded with world class racing, a dazzling display of royal pageantry, and a feast of good eating. Where else would innovative street food be complemented with fine dining curated by Michelin-starred chefs.
Attracting the world's finest racehorses and most talented jockeys, Royal Ascot offers five days of world-class sport. Beginning with the Queen Anne Stakes, named after Royal Ascot's founder, the event has made legends of many of the finest thoroughbreds, and out of the meeting's 18 Group races, eight are Group One - the most prestigious class of Flat race.
The televised spectacle has been enjoyed across the world for generations, but nothing beats being there. The Royal Enclosure reflects the calibre and history of the Royal Meeting. Its origins can be traced as far back as 1807, when an area was reserved exclusively for family, guests and the household of King George III. To this day entry to the enclosure is by invitation only.
The Queen Anne Enclosure offers a thrilling day at the heart of the action. Here the dress code is formal and seriously stylish. Get a close look at the runners and riders in the Pre-Parade and Parade Ring, and get front row as the Royal Procession - always at 2pm sharp - makes its daily route pas the enclosure's pristine lawns. The Queen has not missed a single day or Royal Ascot since her Coronation and in 2013 her filly, Estimate, won the Gold Cup; the first time a horse owned b a reigning monarch had triumphed in this prestigious race.
In the Windsor Enclosure the tone is smart but with a touch less formality. You won't miss a moment of the day's excitement, Caught up in the roar of every race's climax, you'll also be first to see the horses on their way down the home straight.
This year see the launch of The Village, the first new enclosure for 100 years. Eclectic, refined and effortlessly cool, The Village Enclosure is designed to reflect the best of Royal Ascot whilst offering and exciting, contemporary twist. Open for three days only (Thursday to Saturday), The Village Enclosure buzz begins early.
Positioned for the final furlong, with a spectacular backdrop of the packed Grandstand, racing is central to The Village Enclosure experience, but there is so much more enjoy, too.
With its fresh take on the best of British Summertime, The Village Enclosure shares the smart-formal dress code and champagne sparkle of the Queen Anne Enclosure, but also features boutique restaurants alongside pop-up and alfresco dining choices offered by key names from London's acclaimed street food scene. It has a playful feel, too. Treat yourself to indulgent afternoon teas, toast the season with innovate cocktails, and soak up the atmosphere with an eclectrix mis a good music, from DJ to brass bands, throughout each day.
On each of its three days, The Village Enclosure provides a variety of booking options to suit your tastes, so you can plan on unforgettable day for you and your friends. The Villiers Club, with its all-you-can-eat barbecue and live music, has a lively vibe. The Gazebos are private picket-fenced gardens with exclusive use for your group, and The Restaurant In The Village is elegant yet quirky, with and extravagant afternoon tea as a highlight.
As Ascot's other visitors head home by 7pm, The Village Enclosure hosts its 'after party' until 9pm. Live music and DJs, set across three different stages, bring a festival spirit to the event as dusk falls.
You just need choose the day to fit your tastes. For serious racing fans, Tuesday and Wednesday boast the highest-quality action on the track, while discerning social race goers often head to Royal Ascot earlier in the week too, preferring the more relaxed pace to the bigger crowds later in the week.