Friday, June 22, 2018

Ascot in Berkshire - the fashion fun, and covering in the sun

Ascot Stand. Photo from Wikipedia.

Problem
When to go and what to wear?

Answers
The event is on for a week, until Saturday 23rd 2018. A member of my family went on Ladies Day, yesterday, Thursday.

Dress Code
Ladies
Hats for ladies are compulsory. Dresses must have straps.

The late Mrs Shilling, never forgotten, was famous for her hats. And the Shilling hat shop. Hats cost more than a shilling.

Gentlemen
Men must wear collared shirts and ties, not bow ties, and suits, matching jackets and trousers (which Americans call pants).

In the Royal Enclosure men wore morning suit (tail coat) and top hats. That is the most expensive area and probably invitation only.

The Ascot website tells you what you ought to wear. I always take an extra wrap in case I have to be more covered up or end up in an air-conditioned car or building or it gets chilly in the evening or overcast. Take a wrap and/or some sunblock if you are going to be uncovered in the sun for several hours.

Food
You can take a picnic, but must eat it in the car park. Once inside, you can buy fish and chips and ice cream and Pimms to drink, which is not overly alcoholic, just as well in the sunshine with ladies tottering around in high heels.

Morrisons own brand spray is £3. Ambre Solaire used to be the sunblock everybody relied upon in France.

Speaking of sun protection, you can buy sun protection clothes if you are more of a sports participant, hiker, and traveller rather a fashionably dressed watcher.

Timing
Like many big events, you need to consider that there could be long queues (lines) to drive in and out of the area.

You are allocated a colour-coded car park. My family member followed the blue square signs all the way from Hayes to Ascot.

The royal procession is at 2 pm and the first race is at 2.30. The end race is at 5.30. Afterwards, there is singing for an hour.

Horse Race and Betting
Acot is a horse race and you can bet on which horse will win. You might have one person betting on the favourite, another on an outside horse, to double the excitement and your chances of winning. A bet can be as low as £10. You could study the form of the horse or just pick a name you fancy.

Useful websites
Stradivarius wins gold cup and picture of H M The Queen pretty in pink.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/44535705

https://www.ascot.co.uk
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascot_Racecourse

https://www.craghoppers.com/sale/ Sunny weather clothing
visitbritain.com
visitengland.com

Author
Angela Lansbury

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