Ascot 2017 (Tuesday 20th – Saturday 24th June). The first new enclosure to open at the Royal Meeting for more than 100 years, it will provide a new perspective on the spectacle of Royal Ascot, located on the inside of the track looking back towards the final Furlong with Ascot’s iconic Grandstand as a backdrop. Showcasing the best of contemporary British summertime, the new space has a style and tempo of its own: a ‘pop-up’ summer scene comprising informal boutique dining experiences, innovative bars, and live music throughout the day and into the evening.
The Village Enclosure sits between the Queen Anne Enclosure and Windsor Enclosure in terms of price point and the Queen Anne Enclosure dress code will apply. Its introduction will allow Ascot to reduce capacity in the existing public enclosures, Queen Anne Enclosure and Windsor Enclosure as part of its continued commitment to customer comfort at the Royal Meeting.
A picturesque bandstand is the centrepiece of the village green, along with two other stages where there will be a mix of live brass, jazz and funk throughout the day. In the evenings, the main stage will host sets from live bands and DJs. Confirmed acts include DJ Goldirocks, the Hackney Colliery Band and Choon Chaps.
From on-the-go stalls to sit-down casual dining, there will be a broad food offering. Confirmed partners include Mai Taiko, Great British Sausage Company, Crispy Duck and Woodfire Pizza.
Additional destination pop-ups soon to be announced will include a festival favourite grownup barbecue eatery and a Champagne and Seafood restaurant. Cocktails, mocktails and
Champagne will be served throughout the day.
The Village Enclosure is open on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Royal Ascot, with an exclusive after party until 9pm.
Hospitality upgrades are available within the Village Enclosure including The Restaurant in the Village, Villiers in the Village and Gazebos in the Village, the latter which has a private entertaining space for groups of up to 16 guests.
Juliet Slot, Commercial Director, Ascot Racecourse says, “We have gradually reduced the capacity in the Queen Anne Enclosure from 25,000 in 2011 to 19,500 this year and capacity in the Windsor Enclosure from 24,000 in 2011 to 18,000 this year. Opening the new Village Enclosure allows us to continue making these reductions while accommodating the demand for the Royal Meeting and appetite of a section of our customer base for this more contemporary option.
“Placed in a prime position for the thrilling final furlong on the inside of the track, The Village Enclosure celebrates contemporary British summertime with al fresco eateries, creative bars, live music throughout the day as well as a selection of hospitality options including the Villiers Club and the Restaurant in the Village.”
Tickets for the Village Enclosure start from £49 if booked before 31st March 2017 and £67 thereafter. To book tickets or for further information visit www.ascot.co.uk or call 0844 346 3000.