The Season: Our leading guide to the British Summer Social Season
The British Summer Social Season
*2022 DATES NOW AVAILABLE*
Our annual British Summer Social Season Guide previews all of the top events around Britain that form part of The Season. For many years, it has been known as the ultimate guide to The Season and our experts bring you the key dates, latest news and plenty of fashion, sport and social features. Our guide to The Season is hugely popular and it has been highlighted by many media publications and broadcasting channels, including the BBC’s Today programme.
We will be updating the guide to The Season with events information and features throughout the year. The guide includes key dates, preview coverage, interviews and features. Make sure you keep checking back to view the most current edition, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has previously resulted in frequent changes to event plans.
All editorial and advertising enquiries, as well as media requests, for The Season: A guide to the British Summer Social Season can be directed to editor@thesloaney.com.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Royal Ascot
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LATEST NEWS FOR 2022
Keep an eye on the front page of The Sloaney for the latest news about The Season. Here are some of the most recent articles:
The H. Miller Bros announce ‘Alder Hey Urban Foraging Station’ for Chelsea Flower Show
Key Dates for 2022
After a very challenging time, many of the events that form the British Summer Social Season look set to make a welcome return this year. As we progress through the pandemic, and the landscape hopefully continues to improve, many events are planning a return for 2022. However, it remains a changeable situation, so please be mindful that information may alter and it is important to check the latest status for each event.
Polo in the Park is one of the top events
March¦ April ¦ May ¦ June ¦ July ¦ August ¦ September
-MARCH-
The Cheltenham Festival (15th – 18th March)
https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/the-festival
Four days of fantastic racing awaits those visiting the Cheltenham Festival. The first major social event of the year takes place in March. It may be blessed with sunshine or snow, so wrap up warm for the opening outing of The Season. There is always a great atmosphere at Cheltenham, with top class racing, excellent shopping and good fun to be had by all.
British Eventing Olympian Zara Tindall is a regular at Cheltenham and usually frequents The Green Room
2020
The Season 2020: A preview of the Cheltenham Festival schedule
The Season 2020: Cheltenham Festival introduces new social hotspot, The Park
Special Feature
Sporting legends gather in Cheltenham’s new VIP hotspot, The Green Room
The Boat Race (3rd April)
The Boat Race 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 Boat Race
The Grand National at Aintree (9th April)
http://www.thecrabbiesgrandnational.co.uk/
Ladies Day will take place on Friday beforehand 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
Special Feature
Read our exclusive interview with the highest place lady in Grand National history
Looking Back
The 2016 Crabbies Grand National Weights Luncheon
Badminton Horse Trials (4th May – 8th May)
Returning to 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
2020
The Season 2020: Badminton Horse Trials box office opens
Special Features
What to wear to Badminton Horse Trials
Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials 2019 Style File
Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials Trot Up: The Fashion Report
Looking Back
The Mitsubusi Motors Badminton Horse Trials 2018
Badminton Horse Trials: The Trot Up Report
Royal Windsor Horse Show (12th – 15th May)
This prestigious horse show takes place in the Queen’s back garden at Windsor Castle. It presents International Jumping, Dressage, Showing and Driving.
Glyndebourne (21st May – 28th 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 18th of May and run throughout the summer.
Chelsea Flower Show (24th – 28th 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.
What to wear to the Chelsea Flower Show
Special Feature
What to wear to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Looking Back
The Duchess of Cambridge introduces her garden to the Queen at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Chelsea Flower Show 2018: Garden and floral highlights
Famous faces gather for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018
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.
Chestertons Polo in the Park (10th-12th 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
2020
Chestertons Polo in the Park 2020 Super Early Bird Tickets
Special Feature
What to wear to Polo in the Park
Gloucestershire Festive of Polo (TBC)
https://beaufortpoloclub.com/the-festival-2020
An event that has previously been supported by the Royal Family, this polo tournament takes place annually at the Beaufort Polo Club. There is also a country fair that runs during the event.
Cartier Queen’s Cup (TBC)
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.
Tennis Championships at Queen’s Club (13th – 19th 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.
Looking Back
The Maggie’s Enclosure at Queen’s
Nevill Holt Opera
NEW DATE FOR 2021: 8th – 14th June AND 23rd – 29th 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
News
Nevill Holt announces new dates for 2021
Looking Back
The Nevill Holt Opera Festival continues to impress
Royal Ascot (14th -18th June)
https://www.ascot.co.uk/tickets-sale-royal-ascot-2016
Latest for 2021: Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the current uncertainty as to when spectators can be welcomed back to Ascot Racecourse, you can register interest but not buy tickets yet.
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.
Looking Back
Famous gather for Royal Ascot
A box at Royal Ascot with Carol Joy London
Wimbledon (27th June – 10th 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.
Henley Royal Regatta (28th June- 3rd 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.
Looking Back
The Sloaney’s guide to the top social hotspots at The Henley Royal Regatta
Henley Royal Regatta Social Report
British Grand Prix (30th June – 3rd 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.
Gold Cup Final for the British Polo Open (17th July)
Sponsored by King Power, the tournament is regarded as one of the top three polo competitions in the world alongside the US and Argentine Opens. The Final attracts a crowd of over 10,000 who flock to our prestigious ‘Lawns’ polo grounds to watch some of the best players in the world in action in the heart of the South Downs National Park.
The event provides a relaxed family centric atmosphere, retaining a quintessentially British style, with a full programme of events and entertainment including a traditional fairground, carefully selected artisan food and beverage, an extensive luxury retail village and an eclectic mix of live bands and DJ’s in the evening following the polo.
The Game Fair (29th-31st July)
A mecca for those who love countryside pursuits, The Game Fair is billed as the top annual event for those who are passionate about countryside living.
Qatar Goodwood Festival (26th July – 30th July)
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.
Special Feature
The Sloaney’s Guide to Goodwood
Looking Back
Goodwood welcomes a rose bar for 2016, partnering with Château La Gordonne
-AUGUST-
Cowes Week (3oth July – 5th August)
Cowes Week is one of the longest-running regular regattas in the world. Over 8,000 competitors take part and the event features many drinks parties and a famous fireworks display.
– SEPTEMBER –
Salon Prive (31st August-4th September)
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.
Looking Back
BMW PGA, Wentworth (8th – 11th September)
Top golfers consider it to be like a Championship and the Wentworth PGA is one of the biggest tournaments in the world.
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
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