The Royal Meeting: Tuesday 19th - Saturday 23rd June, 2012
Royal Ascot is the world's most famous race meeting and is steeped in history that dates back to 1711. Always a superb sporting and social occasion, combining tradition and pageantry with unrivalled horse racing action, it promises to be bigger and better than ever before. With no less than fifteen group races and over £3 million prize money on offer over the five days, the quality of the horse racing remains simply outstanding. This magnificent event is steeped in centuries of history, tradition and style, for which it is still renowned for today. The action on the track is matched only by the fashions off it with a spectacular array of colourful outfits and hats on display, ranging from catwalk chic to interesting and obscure. Always a superb sporting and social occasion Royal Ascot is much more than just a race meeting. It represents the epitome of prestige, luxury and style, all in the perfect setting of the beautiful Berkshire countryside.

Although founded by a Queen and located on Crown property, the administration of Ascot has always been handled on behalf of the Crown by a representative appointed by the Monarch. The racecourse was run on behalf of the Sovereign by the Master of the Royal Buckhounds up until 1901 when Lord Churchill was appointed as His Majesty's Representative. He was responsible for running the course and determining entrance to the Royal Enclosure. In 1913, the Ascot Authority was established by an Act of Parliament. His Majesty's Representative became Chairman of the Authority with the Clerk of the Course acting as Secretary. Today, Ascot retains both these positions, but with the additional appointment of non-executive directors, a Chief Executive and departmental directors, of which the Clerk of The Course is one. In 1955, the rules of divorce were relaxed and divorcees were able to enter the Royal Enclosure. However, a redevelopment of the Enclosure shortly before this had added the new Queen's Lawn. To this area, entrance was by invitation only and the Court rules governing divorce still applied.

Thursday 21st June:
Ladies Day is a sensational day out and great chance to experience one of the most famous events on the sporting calendar.

Departure from London
The coaches all depart from Goldhawk Road, Stamford Brook London at 09.30am. The drive to Royal Ascot from London takes about 90 minutes on race day and once we have departed London you will be given a full run down on the day ahead and issued with your Silver Ring Enclosure Ticket.

Royal Ascot Racecourse
On arrival at Royal Ascot you will be served a picnic style buffet lunch which includes a selection of chicken and cold meats, [vegeterian options avalable- please let us know your dietary preferences whne you book] a great selection of fresh green salads and dressings, fresh baked bread rolls and sparkling wine, before the races start for the afternoon. The day is then yours to take in the delights of Ladies Day, whether it be trying your luck with the bookies, checking out the fine fashion on display, or simply kicking back with a bottle of bubbly!

Departure from Ascot
As the racing draws to a close, we'll load up the coaches and head back to London. Departure from Royal Ascot Racecourse is 6pm. Upon arrival back in sunny London the coaches will make a drop off at our post race party venue, before making a final drop at Goldhawk Road, Stamford Brook.

For any further enquiries regarding the Ladies Day schedule, please contact the First Festival Travel office where we will be happy to help.

Return coach transport from central London
Picnic style buffet lunch (including sparkling wine)
Silver Ring enclosure ticket for Royal Ascot
Post race day party in London