The British social season, or ‘The Season’ as it’s often called, is upon us and as always there’s plenty happening, across the British Isles. With events as diverse as rowing, horse racing, classic car shows, tennis, polo, golf, motor racing, and music festivals; for both the young and the “seasoned” – there is something for everybody!
Diaries at the ready. Here are the essential dates you need to know through to the end of summer, so you can fill your schedule with as many sporting and social soirees that you can attend with friends. Think of this as your invaluable guide to what to see, and where to be seen, this summer.
The Championships Wimbledon 2019
Monday 01 to Sunday 14 July
The Championships, Wimbledon, commonly known simply as Wimbledon, is the oldest tennis tournament in the world – and is regarded by many as the most prestigious. If you’re haven’t been lucky enough to get a ticket, it’s not too late to find a stylish place to sit back, order a drink, watch the sport on the big screen, and take in all the action.
Henley Royal Regatta 2019
Wednesday 03 to Sunday 07 July
Henley Royal Regatta was established in March 1839 and is undoubtedly one of the best-known regattas in the world. It is a highlight of both the summer sporting calendar, and the English social season. With an estimated 300,000 spectators watching over the five days, you’ll be in good company if head down to the river.
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019
Thursday 04 to Sunday 07 July
The world’s greatest celebration of motorsport and car culture! Held in the beautiful parkland surrounding Goodwood House, the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019 is motorsport’s ultimate summer garden party, an intoxicating celebration of the world’s most glamorous sport, with an amazing gathering of vehicles from the dawn of motoring to the present day and beyond.
The Moët & Chandon July Festival at Newmarket
Thursday 11 to Saturday 13 July
Enjoy three days of world-class horse racing, fabulous fashion and musical entertainment at picturesque Newmarket Racecourses for the Moët & Chandon July Festival. The highlight on the track is the prestigious Darley July Cup on Saturday, and offtrack there’s the Style Awards which runs across all three days, starting with Ladies’ Day on Thursday.
King Power Polo Gold Cup (Finals)
Sunday 21 July
The Gold Cup is played to decide the British Open Polo Championship and is the premier polo tournament in the world at 22 goal (High Goal) level, with all the international stars of the game in action on Cowdray Park’s famous ‘Lawns’. There are 40+ matches (from 25 June) leading to the final which decides the winners of the coveted British Open title.
Womad Festival
Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 July
WOMAD is an international arts festival whose central aim is to celebrate the world’s many forms of music, arts and dance. It promises to be an amazing weekend of discovering incredible artists from across the world – with music on six stages, food, workshops, talks, debates, panels and performances, and even a free Children’s zone.
The Game Fair 2019
Friday 26 to Sunday 28 July
The Game Fair, the annual gathering for people passionate about countryside pursuits, and the Great British Countryside, promises to be Europe’s best-loved and largest countryside festival featuring entertainment, shooting, falconry, fishing, gamekeeping, loads of dogs, horse and hounds, show gardens, amazing food & drink, and weekend camping and glamping.
Qatar Goodwood Festival (Glorious Goodwood) 2019
Tuesday 30 July to Saturday 03 August
The Qatar Goodwood Festival 2019 – popularly known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’ – is one of the highlights of the flat-racing season with five days of thrilling action set against the magnificent backdrop of the rolling Sussex countryside. Gates open at 11.00 am with the first race setting- off each day at approximately 2.00 pm each day.
Wilderness Festival 2019
Thursday 01 to Sunday 04 August
Wilderness festival is the multi-award winning 4-day festival combining live music, contemporary arts and an array of theatre, artisanship, late-night parties, outdoor pursuits and culinary experiences. Go explore a community where genres are redefined, identity is turned on its head, and arts from across the spectrum sit side by side.
Lendy Cowes Week 2019
Saturday 10 to Saturday 17 August
A key part of the British sporting summer calendar since 1826, Cowes Week is one of the UK’s longest running and most successful sporting events. It now stages up to 40 daily races for around 1,000 boats and is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world. This event offers a great mix of competitive sailing and social activities.
