Royal Ascot 2017 - 20th/24th June

The pinnacle of the British social calendar, Royal Ascot has been bringing together the best of style, sport and entertainment, since Queen Anne decided that Ascot Heath would be the most wonderful venue for Racing Horses back in 1711. Britain’s most valuable race meeting, Royal Ascot attracts many of the world’s finest racehorses to compete for more than £6.58milllion in prize money. Horses from as far as Australia and the USA, are drawn to the races for every age group, flat racing, from 5 furlongs to nearly three miles.

A fabulously British cocktail of high fashion, spectacular racing and glorious surrounds; situated next to the wooded countryside of Windsor Great Park, Ascot Racecourse provides the ultimate stage for the races.

Gates open in the morning for guests to arrive, dine and socialize, before the opening of the races at 2pm. At 2pm each afternoon, the Royal Procession enters led by four Windsor Greys along the famous straight mile. Each day features 6 races, with prize money of at least one million pound per day.

What's New for 2017

JUMPSUITS are Permitted. "Fashion and style are an important part of the Royal Ascot experience for all of our customers," said Julie Slot, Commercial Director at Ascot. "The inclusion of jumpsuits as part of the Royal Enclosure dress code recognises our customers’ fashion-forward taste and reflects our awareness of seasonal trends."

THE HEADPIECES Rule simplified

Headpieces, remain permitted in the Royal Enclosure, and the size of base remains at 4". What has been removed from the old style guide, is that previously they had to cover the crown of the head. Many headpieces, even large than 4" are designed to sit on the front or side of the head, meaning the previous rule did eliminate many designs. The new simplified rule of just substantial and more than 4" at the base, permits the more fashion forward forehead styles. Designer Headpieces that meet the Royal Ascot rules are available to hire from www.dress-2-impress.com, with a collect and return on the day service, from the Tennis Club on the opposite side of the High Street to the Grandstand.

New "Village" Enclosure for 2017, Friday and Saturday. Royal Ascot seeks to attract a new generation of racegoers by offering a "party atmosphere" and a "more vibrant feel". The Village Enclosure will provide a range of attractions, including eateries, bars, social areas and DJs.

Top Hats for Royal Ascot Races

The Top Hat remains a requirement for all Men attending Royal Ascot in the Royal Enclosure, and optional for those visitors to the Grandstand (Queen Anne Enclosure).

Those with Vintage Silks, wear them with pride, even with all their patina and frays, they remain beautiful pieces of history, the wearer is proud of. Some men tolerate wearing hats several sizes to small perched on top of their heads - because it's a Vintage Silk.

The more widely available top hats are the Black Wool Felts and Fur Melusine still in production today. Only Black or Grey are permitted for the Royal Enclosure. Black and Grey Wool and Furs, and a limited number of Vintage Silks are available to hire from www.dress-2-impress.com, with a collect and return on the day service, from the Tennis Club on the opposite side of the High Street to the Grandstand.