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Fancy celebrating the summer on a day out with a difference? Treat someone or party with friends by booking tickets for Royal Ascot 2017 (June 20-24). Less than an hour from Waterloo, it’s a feast of racing, good eating and chic escapism.
Whether you know your racing form or you couldn’t tell a runner from a rider, we’ve got five reasons why you should doll yourselves up for the ultimate day at the races this June…
1. You can see the world’s finest horses compete on hallowed turf
Queen Anne knew her stuff when it came to horses. While she was out riding from Windsor Castle, she noticed the open heath was ‘ideal for horses to gallop at full stretch’. Three hundred years on, Royal Ascot still hosts the Queen Anne Stakes and the festival has made legends of thoroughbreds like Black Caviar, Frankel and Yeats. Come on Tuesday for the very best racing of the week.
2. It’s the best excuse for a new outfit
Royal Ascot’s dress code is legendary. Politely strict and elegant to the last. In the Queen Anne and Village Enclosures style is taken seriously: matching suit and tie, hats, headpieces or fascinators to be worn at all times. It’s more relaxed in the Windsor Enclosure, but why not dress up to the nines and feel fabulous all day!
3. It’s a foodie day out like no other
From vintage Champagne and afternoon tea sparkle to a choice of restaurants with Michelin-starred chefs like Raymond Blanc and Phil Howard at the helm, Royal Ascot is a treat for discerning diners. Don’t want to miss any of the action on and off the racecourse? There are pop-ups hosted by stars from London’s street food scene.
4. In 2017, the Village Enclosure makes history
Royal Ascot unveils its first new enclosure for over 100 years. Eclectic and effortlessly cool, the Village Enclosure has an exciting, contemporary twist. Open for three days only, it is inspired by the best of British Summertime, with boutique and alfresco dining experiences and the chance to toast the season with a cocktail and live music.
5. There’s even the chance to upgrade for the after-party
As everyone else heads home, The Villiers Club in the Village stays up late, in the middle of the racecourse! Chill out as dusk falls, with an all-you-can-eat barbecue and bands and DJs until 9pm. Expect soul, funk, pop and jazz thanks to a nightly changing line-up including DJs, Andy Critchlow (aka A-Roxx) and DJ Goldierocks, the sweet vocal harmonies of The Soul Brothers and a taste of New Orleans from The Brass Funkeys. Prices for the Villiers Club package, including admission: from £269 + VAT per person.
Tickets are available now starting from options priced £37 to £88.
There are fine dining packages which include a champagne reception, lunch, afternoon tea and car parking, and private gazebos for groups of 15, priced from £1000 plus ticket admission.
Visit www.ascot.co.uk or call 0844 346 3000.
