Royal Windsor annually hosts some of England's most prestigious social and sporting events with plenty of colourful excitement for spectators. 

Royal Windsor Horse Show              13 – 17 May

The UK's largest outdoor equestrian event involves over 3,000 competing horses and ponies. It combines five days of top sporting and competition jumping, driving, dressage and endurance riding and takes place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle.

Let's Rock the Moor                           16 May

Boutique, Family Friendly, 80s Festival set in the picturesque village of Cookham. Expect household name headline acts, local bands, children's entertainers from BBC/ITV, a Circus, children's rides, an 80s themed children's play area and multiple bars.  

Magna Carta 800th - The River Relay      13-14 June

Celebrate the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta with a spectacular river relay. Led by Gloriana, the Queen's Row Barge, a flotilla of boats, assemble on the River Thames and makes its way from upstream of Cookham to Runnymede with plenty of viewing opportunities along the riverside. Walk in the footsteps of King John across the ancient riverside meadows at Runnymede and visit Windsor Castle, the Royal home he loved above all others.

Cartier Queens Cup                                      14 June

World-famous, high-goal polo competition The Cartier Queen's Cup attracts the sport's leading international players to Guard's Polo Club. HM The Queen first presented the trophy to the Club in 1960 and historically attends Finals Day.

Order of the Garter Service                       15 June

The oldest and most senior British Order of Chivalry, founded by Edward III in 1348. The knights walk to a service in St George's Chapel, wearing their traditional blue velvet robes with red hoods and black velvet hats with white feathers. A fanfare of trumpets announces the main foot procession. Bands of the Household Division play as the procession passes dismounted squadrons of the Household Cavalry, lining the route in their scarlet ceremonial uniforms. The chapel service is relayed via loudspeakers to the crowds followed by an open-carriage procession.

Royal Ascot                                                     16 – 20 June

Royal Ascot is a national institution. Tradition, pageantry, fashion and style combine for a highlight of the British social calendar where £4 million in prize money will be won over five days of racing.  Each day The Royal Procession makes its way from the Golden Gates, along the racecourse and into the Parade Ring. The first race of six each day is at 2.30pm and the last race is at 5.35pm, after which racegoers celebrate their winnings singing around the bandstand.

Celebration of the Rose                                June

A week of events celebrating The Savill Garden's glorious collection of roses, centred on the contemporary Rose Garden. The garden provides an intense sensory experience with roses specially chosen for their scent, strong colours and repeat flowering from a walkway that appears to 'float' above them.

 Swan Upping                                                    14 July

The annual census of the River Thames swan population, this historic ceremony dates from the twelfth century, when the Crown claimed ownership of all mute swans.  On passing Windsor Castle, the rowers stand to attention in their boat with oars raised and salute "Her Majesty The Queen, Seigneur of the Swans".

Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Family Raceday     08 August

Britain's premier jockeys' competition where four teams of top jockeys battle against each other in a thrilling six-race showdown, the four teams are: Great Britain and Ireland; Europe; the Rest of the World; and The Girls team. There will also be activities to keep the whole family entertained, from fairground rides to urban display workshops.

Red Bull Air Race World Championship                15 – 16 August

One of the most vibrant and exciting sports on the calendar returns to Ascot and showcases elite pilots to a worldwide audience. The competitors race in high-performance airplanes between 15 and 25 meters above the ground and navigate a challenging obstacle course of Air Gate pylons at speeds of up to 370 kph.

Royal Winsor Ladies Day                                     29 August

This popular fixture at picturesque Royal Windsor Racecourse includes the season's best race, The Winter Hill Stakes, a dress to impress competition, and a live DJ session by BBC Radio 2's Jo Whiley.

Ascot Festival of Food and Wine Raceday     04 – 05 September

Combine great racing with fantastic food. Wine connoisseurs give expert advice on how to choose a wine to suit your palate, while the Festival of Food celebrates local produce with over 30 stalls. Racegoers can shop between races and use the “Shop & Drop” facility to collect later.

Windsor Festival                                                     14 – 27 September

A celebration of music, literature and the arts, Windsor Festival attracts distinguished artists from around the world. The festival incorporates performances in Windsor Castle, St George's Chapel, the Waterloo Chamber and the Theatre Royal. Details of the full programme 

Windsor Running Festival                         26 – 27 September

Run at one of the most picturesque courses in the world on traffic free roads around Windsor Great Park, with the start and finish on The Long Walk and with fantastic views of Windsor Castle as a backdrop. Windsor Running Festival incorporates a 10K, Half Marathon, Sprite Sprint and 2.5 mile Glynn Shefford Memorial Run.

Windsor Fringe Festival                             Sept – October

The Fringe offers a mixed programme of the arts and entertainment: music of all kinds, drama, visual arts (including photography and sculpture), film, poetry, informative walks in Windsor, gastronomy - and even conkers. Many young artists, such as soprano Dame Emma Kirkby and jazz musician Jamie Cullum, cut their teeth in the Fringe, and have gone on to become household names.

Ascot Racing and CAMRA beer festival         02 – 03 October

The 6th Ascot Racecourse Beer Festival in association with CAMRA and Fuller's; expect more than just exciting Flat racing at this extensive regional Beer Festival as you sup on an array of over 200 real ales, cider and perries.

Windsor Contemporary Arts Fair                    08 – 09 November

Considered one of the most prestigious arts events in the Thames Valley and held at Royal Windsor racecourse. The event showcases contemporary and fine art at its best from both well-established names and new talent all under one roof with prices ranging from £40 - £4000.

Lapland UK                                          December

A theatrical Christmas event for families where Father Christmas' mythical arctic home is staged as a snowy wonderland in Whitmoor Forest on the Windsor Estate.

Windsor on Ice                                    December - January

A Christmas experience for all ages, the rink has special lighting effects, Christmas decorations and glitter balls and is situated in Alexandra Gardens.

Setails available at www.windsor.gov.uk

Copyright free images available from www.windsor.gov.uk/media