Along with Henley Royal Regatta and Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship, Royal Ascot is one of the major events of the English summer 'season'. In 2005, due to the redevelopment of Ascot Racecourse, Queen Elizabeth II has consented to the Royal Ascot fixture being relocated to York Racecourse (June 14-18).

It's the first time the event has been held away from home in its 300-year history, and it will be run to closely mirror the traditional week at Ascot. A royal procession will open proceedings each day and a Royal Enclosure will also operate with the traditional dress code.

It is one of the most important events on the horseracing calendar and the top racing and world famous jockeys are accompanied by pageantry, fine hospitality and stylish fashion from race goers, making it a spectacular sporting and social occasion. Royal Ascot at York will have a capacity of 50,000 each day, tickets start at £18. For bookings tel: 01344 876876. York Racecourse is on the outskirts of the medieval city, 210 miles north of London, and has been chosen because of its facilities, the standard of the track and its record of staging major flat racing festivals.

Website: www.royalascot.co.uk