The Season: Our leading guide to the British Summer Social Season
NEWS FLASH: Introducing Sloaney Season
Brand new for 2017 is Sloaney Season, which provides you with the ultimate independent guide to the most prestigious events of The Season, including the popular British Summer Social Season. Please visit SloaneySeason.com for more details and follow Sloaney Season on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for regular updates about The Season.
The British Summer Social Season
Key Dates for 2017
April ¦ May ¦ June ¦ July ¦ August ¦ September
Pictured: Editor of The Sloaney, Laura Toogood, and Social Reporter, Katie-Ann Lamb
Our annual British Summer Social Season Guide previews all of the top events around Britain that form part of The Season. It is hugely popular and has been highlighted by the BBC’s prestigious Today programme. We will be updating the guide to The Season with new events on an ongoing basis. The guide includes key dates, preview coverage, interviews and style features. Make sure you keep checking back to view the most current edition.
Editorial and advertising enquiries for The Season: A guide to the British Summer Social Season can be directed to editor@thesloaney.com.
– APRIL–
The Boat Race (2nd April)
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 Crabbies Grand National at Aintree (8th April)
http://www.thecrabbiesgrandnational.co.uk/
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 Grand National
Read our exclusive interview with the highest place lady in Grand National history
The 2016 Crabbies Grand National Weights Luncheon
Badminton Horse Trials (3rd-7th May)
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
What to wear to Badminton Horse Trials
Glyndebourne (20th May – August)
Glyndebourne is a famous opera house in East Sussex. It is just one hour from London and has been the venue for the annual Glyndebourne Festival since 1934. This year, the performances begin from the 20th of May and run throughout the summer.
Duke of Richmond’s XI vs Cricketers Club of London (TBC)
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
Chelsea Flower Show (23rd-27th May)
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
Style Guide…
What to wear to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016
What to wear to the Chelsea Flower Show
Looking Back…
Browse the Social Diary from Chelsea Flower Show 2014
Watch our film: A day at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
The Investec Derby (3rd June)
One of the highlights of the summer racing season, The Derby at Epsom racecourse is not to be missed. It attracts high society and a number of celebrities. It is considered one of the best flat races in the world and the fashion is also just as important as the racing.
Prestige London (8th-10th June)
This event brings together the worlds of private jets, superyachets, fine art, interior design and much more to provide the ultimate luxury showcase. It takes place in Battersea and there are a number of high profile galas during the event.
Chestertons Polo in the Park (9th-11th June)
http://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 takes place in central London at the Hurlingham Park
Style Guide…
What to wear to Polo in the Park 2016
Inspiration for what to wear to polo in the park
Cartier Queen’s Cup 2015 (18th June)
http://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
Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club (19th – 25th June)
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 Club
Looking Back…
The Maggie’s Enclosure at Queen’s
Nevill Holt Opera (15th June – 22nd June)
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
Boodles Tennis (27th June – 1st July)
The Boodles Tennis is a civilized soiree that attracts some of the best tennis players in the world. The Boodles Tennis Challenge takes place over a number of a days and is held at Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire.
Henley Royal Regatta (28th June-2nd July)
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
Wimbledon (3rd July – 16th July)
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
British Grand Prix (7th – 9th July)
http://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)
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 (20th-23rd July)
The 145th Open at Royal Troon takes place in June. 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
Blenheim Palace vs Cricketers Club of London (TBC)
www.pitchero.com/clubs/cricketerscluboflondon
The Cricketers Club of London would like to extend an invitation to all members, friends and supporters of the Club to attend their fixture in the exquisite Chiltern surroundings of Blenheim Palace. Blenheim Palace is home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. A true masterpiece of 18th Century Baroque architecture, Blenheim Palace delivers an awe-inspiring experience for visitors.
Cricket at Blenheim Palace
-AUGUST-
Qatar Goodwood Festival (1st-5th August)
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
News:
Goodwood welcomes a rose bar for 2016, partnering with Château La Gordonne
– SEPTEMBER –
Salon Prive (TBC)
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 LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair (TBC)
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 calender and last year there were over 19,000 visitors from around the world.
The LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair
FEATURE IN OUR GUIDE
“I really appreciate the coverage about our Henley party. We have seen quite the jump in tickets sales since you published it.” – The Champagne Cocktail Club at Henley Royal Regatta 2013
Running an event and want it to feature in The Season: A Guide to the British Summer Social Season?
Find out more by emailing events@thesloaney.com
