Celebration summer

04-Jul-07

Kerry Baggott offers more information about the hottest events in the English calendar in part two of her feature's focus on where clients can rub shoulders with royalty and celebs.

JULY HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA

Why: The planet's most famous amateur rowing festival and England's quintessential Edwardian garden party. Since 1839, crowds have flocked to Henley-on-Thames to sip champagne, don straw boaters and cheer on rowing teams from all over the world. Sixteen trophies are awarded. HM The Queen is the official patron and multiple Olympic gold medal winners Matthew Pinsent and Sir Steve Redgrave, as well as being official stewards, are just two of the famous faces in the crowds.

Where: The official course starts just outside Henley from Temple Island and runs upstream for one mile and 550 yards. Henley is accessible by train and by car from the M25. A helipad, operated by Helicopter and Aviation Services, is available nearby, (www.helipad.co.uk).

When: 4 July to 8 July 2007.

How to get tickets: Via event hospitality managers Sodexho Prestige (www.prestigehospitality.co.uk) or via Keith Prowse Hospitality (www.keithprowse.co.uk).

Best seats: The Stewards' Enclosure, near the finish line. Alternatively, be ferried to exclusive Temple Island - on which sits an 18th century folly - and cheer on the rowers at the starting line. Hospitality packages include an Albert Roux four-course lunch. Prices start from £465, including entrance to the Stewards' Enclosure.

Where to stay: Henley's trendiest property, Hotel du Vin (www.hotelduvin.com). This converted brewery has 43 rooms and suites and its own skippered motor launch Bateau du Vin. It holds 12 people and is available for private hire during the festival for £250 an hour from 6pm to 11pm.

Alternatively, in nearby Marlow-on-Thames is the luxurious Danesfield House (www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk). Set within a 65-acre estate - with its own helipad - it has 76 rooms and 11 suites.

Where to dine: The Oak Room Restaurant at Danesfield House. It has been voted Buckinghamshire Restaurant of the Year by The Good Food Guide 2007 and awarded two AA red rosettes. Alternatively, Waldo's Restaurant in von Essen's Cliveden hotel (www.clivedenhouse.co.uk).

Best social event: The Henley Regatta Ball, held after the Finals Day of the Regatta in the sumptuous surrounds of Park Place, an 18th-century country house. Food is by Marco Pierre White and guest entertainers include Bryan Ferry and Craig David. Tickets can be purchased from, among others, Celebrities Worldwide (www.celebritiesworldwide.com), and cost from £750 each.

Client fit: Those who appreciate England's long-established traditions, including the strict dress code. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed into the Stewards' Enclosure.

Recommended by Emily Hickson, marketing director, Keith Prowse Hospitality

JULY/AUGUST

CARTIER INTERNATIONAL POLO

Why: This aristocratic event epitomises the high-society lifestyle of royalty and celebrities. Princes William and Harry often join the Prince of Wales's side and demonstrate their polo skills before mingling among the jetset. Action starts at 11am when the best of young British players take to the field for the Golden Jubilee Cup. In the afternoon, the Coronation Cup will feature England vs Chile.

Where: The Queen's own back yard - Smith's Lawn. It is also known as Windsor Great Park and backs onto Windsor Castle.

When: 29 July 2007.

How to get tickets: Online at www.guardspoloclub.com or via the box office on 01784 437797. Hospitality packages are available via Keith Prowse Hospitality (www.keithprowse.co.uk). Packages include grandstand seats, lunch, champagne reception and afternoon tea. Prices start at £365.

Private hospitality areas will also be run by Smyle/Kidd Polo (www.smyle.co.uk).

Best seat: Best Grandstand South seats.

Where to stay: The four-star Macdonald Castle Hotel (www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk) is in a five-star location. This 108-room hotel is smack in the middle of Windsor - minutes from the Park.

Great Fosters in nearby Egham is a luxurious alternative (www.greatfosters.co.uk). In the heart of the Windsor Forest, this hotel was reputed to be a 16th-century royal hunting lodge. Bedrooms are individually decorated.

Where to dine: Waterside Inn in Bray (www.waterside-inn.co.uk) is owned by the chef Michel Roux, of Le Gavroche fame, together with his son Alain. It boasts three Michelin stars and serves unashamedly French cuisine. Best table is one of the four by the window. Of course, in the same village is the renowned Fat Duck (see Part I, May issue, p20).

Anything else: In between matches, explore the shopping village within Smith's Lawn - selling everything from Audis to dog beds to jewellery.

Best social event: Party in the Smyle/Kidd Polo Players Marquee (www.smyle.co.uk). James Blunt was the star entertainer in 2005 and James Morrison performed last year.

Client fit: Celeb wannabes/spotters and the jetset.

Recommended by Rick Stainton, events director, Smyle

SKANDIA COWES WEEK

Why: The largest, longest-running and most prestigious international sailing regatta. It is open to everyone, with amateur sailors competing alongside Olympic and World Champions. More than 1,000 yachts and 8,500 competitors take part in the Solent waters off Cowes on the Isle of Wight. But the action on shore is just as exciting, with activities and entertainment galore.

Location: Access to Cowes is via ferry from Southampton. Nearest airports are either Eastleigh (Southampton) or Hurn (Bournemouth). There is also a heliport in Cowes for the regatta (contact Helicopter and Aviation Services at www.helipad.co.uk).

When: 4 August to 11 August 2007.

How to get tickets: Non-sailors can simply turn up to enjoy shore-side entertainment. Anyone wanting to enter their own yachts for the race can access entry forms at www.skandiacowesweek.co.uk. Hospitality packages are available from official supplier Parallel Blue (www.parallelblue.co.uk).

Best seats: Non-sailors should head for the Royal Yacht Squadron battlements to watch the start, or get close to the racing action aboard the spectator boat service (book on the event website from June). For entertainment, visit Cowes Parade where bands perform alongside comedians, acrobats and more. Cowes Yacht Haven, with its famous beer tent and entertainment stage, is also a must.

Where to stay: The island's highest star rating belongs to the four-star Royal Hotel in Ventnor (www.royalhoteliow.co.uk). It has 55 rooms and offers outstanding views of the coastline. On the mainland, in Evershot, an hour's drive from Bournemouth, is Summer Lodge (www.summerlodgehotel.co.uk). Described by Tatler 2007 Restaurant Guide as "one of the swishest country-house hotels going", this Relais & Chateaux property has 24 rooms and suites.

Where to dine: Seafood is the Priory Bay restaurant's speciality (www.priorybay.co.uk) in Seaview on the Isle of Wight. On the mainland is the five-star Chewton Glen Hotel Spa and Country Club in Hampshire (www.chewtonglen.com). Its Marryat restaurant has retained a Michelin Star since 1984.

Best social event: The Friday night firework display.

Client fit: Those with sturdy sea legs only should take to the water. A great family occasion.

Recommended by John Denton, managing director, Parallel Blue.