High fashion and high stakes: Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot

Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, Royal Ascot is now an internationally acclaimed sporting and social event, combining tradition, pageantry and style in a truly magnificent setting - against the backdrop of top class thoroughbreds and world famous jockeys competing for some of the most prestigious accolades in horseracing. But though the racing is the main event, it is matched by the fashion and style on display. In fact, for many, the highlight of Royal Ascot is often Ladies Day, held this year on June 21st.

The range of fashion and style on display at Royal Ascot Ladies' Day marks its position as one of the highlights of the British social calendar. A colourful array of outfits creates one of the most elegant and sophisticated occasions in the summer calendar. Hat wearers of every description can be seen at Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot, ranging from the formal to the flamboyant. And for many in the British fashion industry, the hats worn by ladies at Royal Ascot are equivalent in status to designer dresses worn to the Oscars! So if you're planning to attend Royal Ascot Ladies' Day, it's certain that you'll be in for an exclusive fashion treat.

Traditionally, Ladies' Day at Ascot is held on the same day as the Ascot Gold Cup, a Group 1 flat race for run over a distance of two miles four furlongs. And with £180 million worth of redevelopment having been completed at the Ascot Racecourse - a modification that forced Royal Ascot to relocate to York Racecourse in 2005 - the Royal Ascot Meeting is now more splendid than ever. A unique blend of high fashion and high stakes add to the atmosphere of Britain’s most popular race meeting, where the £2.5 million in prize money guarantees the very best flat racing action.

Notwithstanding the exclusive fashion and the excellent racing, the highlight of each day at Royal Ascot is the eagerly anticipated Royal Procession, when at 2pm, the Royal Party enters the Golden Gates and drives up the course in horse drawn carriages. Over 200,000 people are known to visit the venue during four days of racing every June - and the recent upgrades and renovations are expected to draw even more spectators.

If you're planning to visit Royal Ascot during Ladies' Day this June, you'll be able to find a range of short breaks or holiday packages that cater specifically to you. Often, these packages will include entrance to Ascot and accommodation at one of any number of hotels near Ascot - so you'll be able to enjoy both easy access to the racecourse and a perfect view of the array of fashionable hats and outfits over the course of Ladies' Day!

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist who lists travelling and rugby among his interests.