Epsom Downs Racecourse is the home of one of the most iconic events in the British sporting and social calendar - The Derby Festival. The two day festival of horse racing dates back to 1780 and will be held on Friday, 5th and Saturday, 6th June in 2009.
We will have a full racing programme in 2009, starting with our Spring Meeting on Wednesday, 22nd April and including the return of our Epsom Live! music nights.
What to Wear
There is a dress code in the Queen's Stand and Grandstand Enclosures. Smart shorts and jeans are accepted but no bare tops or singlets. Many people in this Enclosure like to dress up for the Vodafone Derby Meeting but it is not a requirement.
Vodafone Derby Festival
Back In August 2006, Epsom Downs Racecourse started its Grandstand Redevelopment Programme. The first phase of the Redevelopment Programme consisted of the demolition of the Rosebery Stand and the building of a new Entrance Pavilion.
The second phase of the Grandstand Redevelopment Programme is now underway. It consists of the knocking down of the 1914 Building and Grandstand and the construction of the new Grandstand - to be completed in 2009.
The 2008 Derby Festival will still be run at Epsom Downs Racecourse. The 2008 Derby Festival is on Friday, 6th and Saturday, 7th June 2008
Queen’s Stand
The Queen's Stand is the most exclusive area at Epsom Downs Racecourse. Situated opposite the winning post, it has the best views and facilities on the course. It has bars, cold snacks, a champagne and seafood bar, private entertaining suites and full TOTE betting facilities. Queen's Stand racegoers have access to the Paddock and Winner's Circle.
- Tickets: £25 (£70 Vodafone Ladies Day).
- Food and Drink: It offers bars, cold snacks and seafood as well as the popular Blue Riband Restaurant. Advance booking is essential (Tel: 01372 726311)
- Viewing: The Queen's Stand was opened in 1992 and provides the best views and facilities on the course and is located opposite the winning post. It offers access to the Parade Ring and the opportunity to welcome the victorious horses returning to the Winner’s Enclosure.
- Dress: Vodafone Derby Day Either black or grey Morning Dress with a top hat, or service dress is traditional and obligatory for gentlemen on Derby Day. Ladies are asked to wear formal day dress, or a trouser suit, with a hat.
Vodafone Oaks Day: This remains a very special day in the racing calendar and, whilst Morning Dress is not required, gentlemen are asked to wear a jacket, collar and tie. Ladies do not have to wear a hat but the majority do. Jeans, sports shorts, denim or trainers are not acceptable in the Queen's Stand.
Other Days: Racing outside of the Vodafone Derby Meeting is less formal but the majority of Queen’s Stand visitors like to make coming to Epsom Downs a special day. Therefore, jackets and trousers, with a shirt and tie, are encouraged but smart casual is acceptable. For the avoidance of doubt, denim, jeans, sports shoes and trainers are not permitted in the Queen’s Stand.
Grandstand
- Tickets: £15 (£40 Ladies Day; £50 Derby Day when booked before ). Contact the racecourse for reservations.
- Food & Drink: There are a number of bars as well as catering facilities including the Café Normandie offering hot and cold food.
- Viewing: Epsom's new Grandstand with its fantastic new facilities will open in April 2009, ready for all of Epsom's 2009 race meetings.
The Grandstand is located next to the Queen's Stand and customers will have access to The Oaks Hall, the Parade Ring, steppings of the new Grandstand and The Derby Village (Derby Festival only).
The Grandstand Enclosure offers a relaxed atmosphere for racegoers who can also enjoy the bars, stands, music and entertainment in the Derby Village on both days of The Derby Festival.
As access to the Parade Ring and the Rails Bookmakers are close to hand, it is a particularly good area for groups.
- Dress: Smart shorts and jeans are accepted but no bare tops or singlets. Many people in this Enclosure like to dress up for the Vodafone Derby Meeting but it is not a requirement.Boxholders – Please be guided by the Queen's Stand Vodafone Oaks Day dress code, on all racedays. Click here for details
The Lonsdale Enclosure
- Tickets: Free on 22 April; £15 - £20 Derby Festival.
- Food & Drink: There are a number of fast food catering options in this Enclosure.
- Viewing: This Enclosure has one of the best locations on course, opposite the Queen's Stand next to the Winning Post
Tattenham Straight Enclosure
- Tickets: £15 Ladies Day - £20 for the Vodafone Derby Festival.
- Food & Drink: The Tattenham Straight is a fantastic pedestrian area, with live music and a variety of food and drinks units. With access to the rails and bookmakers, it also has sight of a big screen. The Tattenham Straight is great value for money and the area to be in if you want to have lots of space to spread out in.
BBQs are strictly forbidden in this area, due to the enclosure's proximity to the track.
- Viewing: This is area on the Grandstand side of the course, situated between the Upper Tattenham bus enclosure and the Tattenham Picnic Area.
The Hill
- Tickets: Free.
- Food and Drink: During the Vodafone Derby Festival there are catering outlets, a funfair and live music on The Hill.
- Viewing Situated in the vast green expanse in the middle of the course, you can drive your car onto The Hill and picnic with your own food and drink.
