Blogs

YOUR GUIDE TO THE BETFRED ESPOM DERBY FESTIVAL…

Posted by Kat Heath on 15 May 2026

THE 2026 EPSOM DERBY IS COMING!

The event of the year that puts Epsom well and truly on the map is the Epsom Derby.  Being one of the first established Derbys in the country, this annual race remains to be at the centre of the horse racing and breeding industry.
For nearly 250 years people from across the country have enjoyed this annual event which takes place on the beautiful Epsom Downs Racecourse.

For those who have never attended, expect not just two days of racing, but two days of music, entertainment and a great party atmosphere!

Epsom & Ewell Familles are giving you the low down on what is lined up for the 2026 Betfred Epsom Derby Festival with some new additions to this fabulous two day event!

LADIES DAY
5th June

Traditionally Ladies Day first found its roots by the 12th Earl of Derby, where the elite 3 year old fillies would race, which was specifically called ‘The Oaks Stakes’.  By the Victorian era it formally became known as Ladies Day where alongside the Oaks Stakes, ladies of the aristocracy would show case their high fashion and display their curated outfits amongst the elite racing circles in almost a competitive manor.

Since the mid 20th century Ladies day has become an annual summer social event for all which mixes fashion and style, entertainment and of course horse racing!

See below what to expect at the 2026 Ladies Day

THE STYLE AWARDS
After a two-year hiatus, the Style Awards are back for 2026!
In true homage to the traditional roots of Ladies Day, The Style Awards celebrate the very best of raceday fashion and style at the Betfred Derby.

So whether you like to stand out in bright florals or be demure and classic in minimal elegance this is a great time to pull out all the stops and dress up!

This year’s judges are TV fashion expert, Mark Heyes who for decades has worked within the fashion industry and most famously is a presenter on ITVs Lorraine. Also JB Gill from JLS who has been in the entertainment industry for nearly 20 years.

To enter:
Visit the Hyperion Lawn and have your photo taken in front of our Style Awards backdrop and you could win up to £10’000!
For more info visit: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom-derby/ladies-day/style-awards/

ENCLOSURES
Grandstand enclosure: Ladies Day:
Tickets from £70

Enjoy the excitement of each race on Ladies Day from the Grandstand Enclosure, where you’ll have amazing panoramic views of the finish line!

You’ll have access to:
-An amazing selection of food and drink outlets including Gaucho.
-The Parade Ring
-Access To DJ After Party
-All Day Entertainment, including Galileo introduces O Beach Ibiza marquee.
For more information and tickets visit: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom/plan-your-day/enclosures/grandstand-enclosure/

Queen Elizabeth 2 Stand: Ladies Day
Tickets from £145

What better way to enjoy the ladies day races with tradition and style in the Queen Elizabeth II Stand. (Dress code applies on Derby Day).

Enjoy front row views of each race and the celebratory Winners’ Circle!
(Please note Dress code on Derby Day)

You’ll have access to:
-Prime access to the Parade Ring 
-Exclusive Winners’ Circle Viewing
-Access To DJ After Party
-Access to exclusive food and drink concessions.
-Entry to the Queen Elizabeth 2 lawn.
-All Day Entertainment, including Galileo introduces O Beach Ibiza marquee.

For more information and tickets visit: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom/plan-your-day/enclosures/queen-stand/

Cedric’s: Ladies Day
Tickets from £245

Named after the 1824 Derby winner, Cedric’s is the most premium enclosure, situated right by the famous Epsom Downs winning post. Enjoy an experience which combines fantastic viewing, delicious food and drink, and all-day entertainment.

You’ll have access to:
-A stylish marquee experience with increased covered areas
-A complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon on arrival
-Breathtaking views of the finish line and grandstand entry 
-Complimentary bar snacks and race card 
- All day entertainment
-Exclusive after-party within Cedric’s
-Complimentary parking
-Reserved seating
-Access to champions seating along final furlong
For more information and tickets visit: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom/plan-your-day/enclosures/cedrics/

Itinerary for Ladies Day
Gates open at 11am
First race: 1.30pm
The Betfred Oaks: 4pm
Last Race: 5.30pm
For more info on Ladies Day race scheduling visit https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom-derby/plan-your-day/when-and-what-time/

DERBY DAY
6th June

The Epsom Derby was first established by the 12th Earl of Derby following a coin toss in 1780.
It soon boasted to be Britain’s most elite and prestigious flat horse race, which has since been held annually at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
The Derby is now cemented as a cornerstone of British sport, attracting massive crowds. Despite traditionally being held on a Wednesday, the race later moved to Saturdays in the early 1990s.
The event has long been attended by the royal family with King Charles attending in 2024.

New for 2026
Galileo’s presents O Beach

Where Epsom meets the Balearics with Sun drenched energy all under a super stylish marquee.
For over a decade, O Beach Ibiza has been the ultimate Ibizan day club experience, and now it’s here in Epsom for both Ladies day & Derby Day!

Enjoy the races whilst dancing to soulful house and classic dancefloor anthems Expect vibrant DJ sets and entertainment throughout the two days!
Access available to all ticket holders on both Ladies Day & Derby Day.
For more info visit https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom-derby/o-beach/

ENCLOSURES
Grandstand enclosure: Derby Day
Tickets from £80

Enjoy the excitement of every race on Derby Day from the Grandstand Enclosure, where you’ll have amazing panoramic views of the finish line!

You’ll have access to:
-An amazing selection of food and drink outlets including Gaucho.
-The Parade Ring
-Access To O Beach After Party
-All Day Entertainment, including Galileo introduces O Beach Ibiza marquee.
For more information and tickets visit:
https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom/plan-your-day/enclosures/grandstand-enclosure/epsom-derby/derby-day/

Queen Elizabeth 2 Stand: Derby Day
Tickets from £165

Enjoy a prestigious Derby Day with tradition and style in the Queen Elizabeth II Stand.
Please note on Derby day there is a strict dress code within the QE2 stand.
Gentlemen must wear grey morning suits and hat or full national costume and ladies must wear formal dress or trouser suit with hat or fascinator Click on link: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom-derby/plan-your-day/dress-code/

You’ll have access to:
-Prime access to the Parade Ring 
-Exclusive Winners’ Circle Viewing
-Access To DJ After Party
-Access to exclusive food and drink concessions.
-Entry to the Queen Elizabeth 2 lawn.
-All Day Entertainment, including Galileo introduces O Beach Ibiza marquee.
For more information and tickets visit:
https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom/plan-your-day/enclosures/queen-stand/epsom-derby/derby-day/

Cedric’s: Derby Day
Tickets from £250

The optimum ticket for Derby Day!
Great views and close up action!
Enjoy an opulent Derby Day experience which combines fantastic viewing, delicious food and drink, and all-day entertainment.

You’ll have access to:
-A stylish marquee experience with increased covered areas
-A complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon on arrival
-Breathtaking views of the finish line and grandstand entry 
-Complimentary bar snacks and race card 
- All day entertainment
-Exclusive after-party within Cedric’s
-Complimentary parking
-Reserved seating
-Access to champions seating along final furlong
For more information and tickets visit: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom/plan-your-day/enclosures/cedrics/epsom-derby/derby-day/

Itinerary for Derby Day
Gates open at 11am
First race: 1.30pm
The Betfred Oaks: 4pm
Last Race: 5.55pm
For more info on Derby Day race scheduling visit: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom-derby/plan-your-day/when-and-what-time/

HOSPITALITY PACKAGES
The Epsom Downs Racecourse are renown for their hospitality packages!
Whether you are hosting clients or enjoying a day out with friends and family, you can enjoy the Derby festival in one of the award-winning restaurants or intimate private boxes.
Including Michelin starred Chez Rous at Blue Riband
Visit https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom-derby/hospitality/
Enquire online or call the team directly on 01372 477 747.

DERBY FEST
New for 2026: Free family festival at the Epsom Derby 5th-6th June


Read more about this on our recently published blog: https://epsomandewellfamilies.co.uk/the-free-family-festival-derbyfest/

For more information on both Ladies Day and Derby day visit https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom-derby/
Or phone 01372 726311

Epsom Downs Racecourse
Epsom
KT18 5LQ

Enjoy!

Kat xx

 

Posted by:

Kat Heath

Kat Heath is a qualified beauty therapist and a mum of two boys, Harry and Elliott. Kat also has been a marketing ambassador and blogger for many on-line mummy sites as well as working as a therapist for Decleor, Clarins and Guinot within Selfridges, Peter Jones and John Lewis. Her passions are fashion, interiors, wellbeing and food!