It was Queen Anne who first held races on the plot of land that would one day become the most famous racecourse in the world – and since that moment, in 1711, no sporting fixture has quite rivalled the fanfare of Royal Ascot.

At the storied event, celebrating the fastest thoroughbreds on Earth is only one part of the appeal, with royal presence, singular hospitality, sun and sartorial flair equally as important to the occasion. From 17-21 June, Britain’s great and good will once again converge around the famed track for another five days of pomp, pageantry and plenty of popping champagne corks. (Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage is Royal Ascot’s official champagne partner – a suitably impressive house pour.)

Anchoring the spectacle are the horses and their jockeys, who come here to display their prowess on the world’s biggest stage in hope of achieving either international status or further cementing their standing in the history books. Seven flat races occur each day, and the sound of thundering hooves and spirited crowds against the hushed English countryside makes forone of sport’s greatest experiences.

In last year’s Gold Cup – Ascot’s oldest and most prestigious race – Kyprios sealed a remarkable comeback by beating Trawlerman to become only the third horse in history to regain the prestigious title.

How you experience the action across the days is determined by your ticket category. At the lively Windsor Enclosure, for example, guests will have trackside viewing along the straight mile and they’ll be the first to see the landau carriages when the Royal Procession begins each day at 2pm. Racegoers are also encouraged to bring their own picnic and take advantage of the manicured lawns within the area.

The Village Enclosure, the most recent addition to the grounds and open from Thursday to Saturday, emulates a vibrant festival spirit, with its array of street-food stalls, cocktail bars, and live music that carries on into the evening – this year, the Main Stage will be lit up by One Night in Nashville playing the biggest country hits from Dolly Parton to Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift to Carrie Underwood.

Viewing for the racing, meanwhile, takes place at the centre of the track. The Queen Anne Enclosure – the premier choice available to the public – grants access to the Parade Ring (both pre- and during), the Grandstand and the trackside. Rather notably, once the racing is done for the day, it is customary for those in this zone to head to the Bandstand for an obligatory singalong of British standards and international belters, a tradition that stretches back to the 1970s.

With the fixture long synonymous with traditional dress – sharp morning coats, striped trousers, glossy top hats – it has, ultimately, become as famous for the millinery and clothing on display as for the high-octane action on the turf.

Even with this sense of formality and tradition, there’s plenty of opportunity to model both colourful and expressive designs, with neutral tailoring offset by accessories in bright, vivid hues, and women showcasing sculptural headwear. “To err on the side of extravagance as opposed to modesty is a joy for everyone,” once said renowned British milliner Stephen Jones about the sense of play that Royal Ascot encourages.

Hospitality at Royal Ascot is simply in a league of its own. This year will see star chefs Yannick Alléno and Benoit Blin join its already esteemed resident lineup that includes Raymond Blanc, of the beloved Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons; farm-to-table pioneer Simon Rogan; and The Dorchester’s Tom Booton.

Of particular note, Blanc will continue to oversee the fine-dining proceedings at the Panoramic Restaurant, which has stunning views of the track; and Alléno, known for his inventive French fare, will introduce a small-plates pop-up. Together, the celebrated roster has a collective 29 Michelin stars between them.

Expertly balancing exemplary service with expressive style and the thunderous rapture of race-day energy, Royal Ascot is quite simply the zenith of the British summer sporting season.

Book your tickets and hospitality packages now at ascot.com