Dates for Your Social Diary 2017

Friday March 17th, 2017

– MARCH –

The Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival – Cheltenham
14th, 15th, 16th & 17th March 2017
Read more at:
https://cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk/events-tickets/whats-on/the-festival

– APRIL

The Boat Race (2 April)
theboatraces.org
The Boat Race heralds the start of The Season. It is an annual contest between two rowing crews from Oxford and Cambridge universities. The famous Race takes place on the River Thames in West London between Putney and Mortlake.

The Season starts with The Boat Race

The Grand National Horse Racing Festival – Liverpool at Aintree (6th – 8th April)

See tickets and information here
Ladies Day will take place on Friday 7th of April this year and it is then followed by Grand National Day. This legendary racing fixture is the first key horse racing event of The Season. It is not to be missed and promises an incredible day out for all visitors making the trip to the world famous racecourse.

The Season begins with the Grand National

Read our exclusive interview with the highest place lady in Grand National history

– MAY –
Badminton Horse Trials (3rd-7th May)

www.badminton-horse.co.uk

Remaining with the equestrian theme, Badminton Horse Trials is arguably the world’s top three day event and a welcome addition to The Season. It takes place in the Cotwolds and is often frequented by the members of the Royal family. This event is not just for equestrian fans and many people attend so they can visit the fantastic shopping village, which offers every countryside product you can imagine.

Zara Phillips competing at Badminton Horse Trials

Looking Back…

Badminton Horse Trials: The Trot Up Report

Duke of Richmond’s XI vs Cricketers Club of London (14th May)

www.pitchero.com/clubs/cricketerscluboflondon
Hosted at the beautiful Goodwood Estate in West Sussex there is a 2pm start, This is a great fixture for those keen to watch some of the finest cricketing gentry on display.

Cricket at Goodwood

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre: On the Town (19th May – 1nd July)

openairtheatre.com

Music by LEONARD BERNSTEIN
Book and Lyrics by BETTY COMDEN and ADOLPH GREEN
Based on a Concept by JEROME ROBBINS

New York, New York, it’s a helluva town!
With an incredible Bernstein score, Olivier Award-winner Drew McOnie – celebrated for his choreography on Jesus Christ Superstar – directs and choreographs On The Town, our biggest dance musical yet. It will be an exciting occasion for The Season in 2017.

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Chelsea Flower Show (23rd-27th May)

www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is another world-famous event and has always formed part of The Season. The Private Viewing day is packed with London’s high society. The event is normally visited by notable guests throughout its duration.

Gwyneth Paltrow at the Chelsea Flower Show , a key fixture of The Season

Looking Back…

Browse the Social Diary from Chelsea Flower Show 2014


– JUNE –

Chestertons Polo in the Park (9rd-11th June)

https://www.polointheparklondon.com

Polo in the Park takes place in Hurlingham Park and is a popular day out for those enjoying the British Summer Social Season. Most guests make a beeline for the Champagne Lanson Garden or Mahiki Bar. Both are located in sunny spots and offer great views of the action.

Polo in the Park

Cartier Queen’s Cup 2015 (18th June)

https://www.guardspoloclub.com/tournaments/the-cartier-queens-cup

The Finals Day is the highlight of this high-goal polo competition. The event boasts a unique blend of glamour, style and elegance in a beautiful setting.

Cartier Queen's Cup where HRM The Queen enjoys The Season

Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club (19th – 25th June)

www.aegonchampionships.com

This event has been staged at The Queen’s Club for more than a century. The grass courts have been described as “the best in the world” by former champions Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt and Andy Murray. You are likely to spot Queen’s Club member Pippa Middleton in the crowd on most days.

Queen's Tennis Club

Looking Back…

The Maggie’s Enclosure at Queen’s

Nevill Holt Opera. Tosca.(19th June – 22rd June)

www.nevillholtopera.co.uk

Nevill Holt Opera is extended this year due to its great success. Hosted in the grounds that belong to David Ross – the founder of Carphone Warehouse – it is considered to be a highly sophisticated occasion in stunning surroundings.

The Nevill Holt Opera

Royal Ascot (20th -24th June)

https://www.ascot.co.uk/tickets-sale-royal-ascot-2016

This premier racing fixture is not to be missed and gives both ladies and gentleman the opportunity to dress up in their finest formal attire. Aside from watching some of the best flat racing in the world, the spectacular hats will also provide entertainment. Stick with tradition and enjoy a picnic in the car park, before venturing to the Royal Enclosure where you will find a plethora of champagne bars.

Royal Ascot

Looking Back…

A box at Royal Ascot with Carol Joy London

BNP Paribas Tennis Classic (27th – 30th June)

www.bnpparibastennisclassic.com

The BNP Paribas Tennis Classic takes place at the height of the summer tennis season and is one of the most intimate tennis events in the social calendar. Set in the tranquil 42-acre grounds of The Hurlingham Club, the event showcases some of the current stars of today.

Centre Court at the Hurlingham Club

Henley Royal Regatta (29th June-3rd July)

www.hrr.co.uk

The Henley Royal Regatta is a perfect excuse to venture into the British countryside during The Season. The rowing event takes place every year on the River Thames by the town of Henley-on-Thames. It is a popular social occasion during The Season and there is a party atmosphere in the fashionable pop up bars that visit from London.

Henley Royal Regatta

Looking Back…

Henley Royal Regatta Social Report


-JULY –

Wimbledon (03rd July – 16th July)

www.wimbledon.com

Wimbledon needs little introduction, especially after Andy Murray’s incredible performances. This is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It is also considered by many players to be one of the most prestigious titles to win. Celebrities flock to this event during The Season and it lasts for two weeks.

Wimbledon is a highlight of The Season

Barclaycard’s British Summer Time at Hyde Park (30th June – 9th July)

www.bst-hydepark.com

Set in London’s most beautiful Royal Park, the ten day event attracts some of the world’s best musicians. Last year it also debuted a comedy night. This year some of the stars due to perform include PHIL COLLINS, Saturday 1st July – GREEN DAY, Sunday 2nd July – JUSTIN BIEBER, Thursday 6th July – KINGS OF LEON, Saturday 8th July -THE KILLERS, Sunday 9th July – TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS. The Heidsieck Monopole Champagne Treehouse is the place to be seen.

British Summer Time

British Grand Prix (14th – 16th July)

https://www.silverstone.co.uk/events/2016-formula-1-british-grand-prix/

The Formula 1 British Grand Prix takes place at Silverstone at the beginning of July. It promises an action packed weekend for those who love speed and excitement. It is a chance to see F1 on British soil and also watch some of the world’s top drivers and cars take to the track.

British Grand Prix

Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival (8th & 9th July)

www.dorsetseafood.co.uk

The Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival takes place in Weymouth Harbour and is one of the main regional events to feature in our guide to The Season. Events include interactive demonstrations from a fabulous line up of passionate chefs including Dorset’s very own Mark Hix, John Wright from River Cottage, Lesley Waters, Mat Follas, Russell Brown and Matt Cook. These are complemented by Pommery champagne pouring demonstrations, expert wine matching and much more.

Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival

The Open (16th-23rd July)

www.theopen.com

The 146th Open at Royal Troon takes place in July. It will showcase some of the best golf in the world. You can attend throughout the week to enjoy the beautiful course and watch some of the top players in action.

The 145th Open - The Season 2016


–AUGUST –

Qatar Goodwood Festival (1st-5th August)

www.goodwood.com

The 2015 Qatar Goodwood Festival saw some truly special moments including when Frankie Dettori rode six winners to take the Top Jockey award. This year ‘Glorious Goodwood’ promises great action on the track and an even better social scene. Taking place in the middle of summer, this is a highlight of The Season.

The Goodwood Festival - A highlight of The Season


– SEPTEMBER –

Salon Prive (31st August-2nd September)

www.salonpriveconcours.com

For those of you that haven’t experienced Salon Privé before, it is a motor show unlike any other. It is a unique 3-day event held in the spectacular grounds of Blenheim Palace showcasing an incredible collection of classic, super, hyper and concept cars for a true celebration of these motoring masterpieces.

Salon Prive

Looking Back…

The Salon Prive Gala Ball

The LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair (15th – 20th September)

www.lapadalondon.com

The LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair takes place in Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London and brings our guide to The Season to an end. This is Autumn’s must-visit event for sourcing and buying fine art and antiques. It has quickly become a highlight on the social calendar and last year there were over 19,000 visitors from around the world.

The LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair