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You are here: Visitor Information > Media > Events
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has an incredibly rich programme of annual events and festivals including Royal Windsor Horse Show, Royal Ascot, Windsor Festival, Windsor Fringe and Cliveden Literary Festival.
Find out more about these and other events by visiting our what's on page and searching what's on.
Here are some key annual events and festival dates for 2020.
Longer daylight hours herald the appearance of thousands of snowdrops around Cliveden estate. Spot the four different varieties while walking the special Snowdrop trail in the crisp winter air.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden
Cliveden's daffodil-spectacular where hundreds of thousands of narcissi spring up across the estate and rolling displays of rarer, pot-grown varieties will be on show in the Ferneries.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden
A biennial youth and community festival and a platform to showcase creative talent, over 50 organisations are involved in this celebratory week, to enable hundreds of talented people to join in. Community stage performances at The Old Court (Artspace), Windsor are free to attend.
www.windsorfestival.com
Stanley Spencer’s life and work were dominated by his relationships with his two wives, Hilda Carline and Patricia Preece. The exhibition explores how Spencer’s paintings convey the joys, sorrows and complexities of these relationships.
https://stanleyspencer.org.uk/
Pay a visit to Daffodil Valley in The Valley Garden where the magnificent daffodil display heralds the start of spring. Over the past fifty years, a scattering of bulbs and seeds has expanded to become one of England’s largest displays.
www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk
The 2020 season covers 27 race meetings including Monday Race-nights. Post-racing live music features at events through the season, and popular themes include Family Fun Days, Cider & Sausage festival, Gin Festival, Oktoberfest and the new 90s throwback race night.
www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk
Celebrate Spring at The Savill Garden with competitors from all over the South of the UK displaying Camelias, Rhododendrons and spring flowering plants in the hope of winning prestigious prizes.
www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk
Eton Dorney lake hosts one of the largest one-day regattas attracts crews from all over the UK and covers all ability levels and ages from veterans and novices to GB team members.
wallingford-regatta.org.uk
A feast of all things equestrian held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle. This event combines top sporting and competition action within a spectacular venue and is a fantastic day out whether you are interested in horses or not.
www.rwhs.co.uk
Celebrating 110 years since the glorious Edwardian era, the Castle Arena in the private grounds of Windsor Castle will host a unique 90-minute evening of entertainment involving performers, horses, musicians and motorcars.
https://windsorpageant.co.uk/
Known as The Retro Festival, this family-friendly celebration of the 80s takes place at Marsh Meadow in picturesque Cookham. It features household name headline acts, local bands, children’s entertainers, a Circus, children’s rides, an 80s themed children’s play area and multiple bars.
www.letsrockthemoor.com
Race in the heart of the picturesque Thames Valley in this half marathon trail race. This is a flat and relatively mud-free trail run, ideal for runners looking to make inroads into trail running.
https://www.f3events.co.uk/events/royal-windsor-half-marathon-river-trail-run-201806-1177
Windsor Great Park hosts this event for novice runners up to multi-marathon veteran, take part in races from 2.5K to Half Marathon and a host of exclusive runs and routes across three packed days. Camp, run and party alongside sporting legends, achieve new running highs and dance your socks off to a great music line-up.
https://www.runfestrun.co.uk/
Charles Dickens and his son were the inspiration behind this historic event, which began in 1866. They were both involved with London rowing clubs. The Metropolitan attracts crews from all over the UK and is held at Dorney Lake.
metregatta.org
One of the top five polo tournaments in the world, The Cartier Queen’s Cup attracts the sport's leading international players to Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park. HM The Queen first presented the trophy in 1960 and Finals Day generally attracts an A-list crowd.
www.guardspoloclub.com
Colourful occasion for the oldest and most senior British Order of Chivalry, founded by King Edward III in 1348. After lunch the 24 knights walk to a service in their spiritual home in St George's Chapel, wearing traditional ceremonial robes and hats and an open-carriage procession takes the knights back to the castle’s upper ward. Ticketed event – spectators can apply from Jan - Mar.
www.royal.uk/order-garter
A national institution and highlight of the British social calendar which combines tradition, fashion, pageantry, dining and style. Each day the Royal Procession passes in front of the grandstand and into the Parade Ring. After the last race, racegoers enjoy traditional singing at the bandstand.
www.ascot.co.uk/horse-races-and-events
Marlow holds its International Regatta at Eton Dorney Lake, home of the 2012 Games rowing and kayak events. This is a forerunner to and last qualifying event for Henley Regatta in July, with crews from many countries taking part.
www.themarlowregatta.com/home
Three fantastic days of horse racing action and atmosphere at Royal Windsor Racecourse including Gentleman’s Day featuring a DJ Set from Sigma, the Ibiza Chill race night and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz race night with live music after seven competitive races.
https://www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk/
A mass participation event for all ages and abilities. Parallel Windsor will host a range of multiple distances; 100m, 1km, 5km, 10km and the innovative Super Sensory 1km. The event also includes a free to attend accessible festival of inclusivity.
https://www.parallellifestyle.com/parallel-windsor/
The Savill Garden’s contemporary Rose Garden becomes the focal point and provides an intense sensory experience. Roses are specially chosen for their scent, strong colours and repeat flowering, and are best viewed from a walkway that appears to ‘float’ above them.
www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk
Known as the Royal Ascot of Dog Shows, the summer “Crufts” takes place in Home Park, under the ramparts of Windsor Castle. Representing four days of intense competition, there’s a main ring and show suites for visitors to experience the best of the canine world.
www.windsordogshow.org.uk
Opportunities to sample a summery selection of Gins and an evening of competitive racing at Royal Windsor Racecourse by the banks of the River Thames.
https://www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk/
Traditional summer flower show held in the charming Chapter Gardens of St George’s School Windsor Castle, covers horticulture, crafts, wine, photography and rose inspired afternoon teas.
http://rwrhs.com/
Annual census of the River Thames swan population by HM Swan Marker and the Royal Swan Uppers in traditional wooden rowing skiffs. The historic ceremony dates from the twelfth century, when the Crown claimed ownership of all mute swans. Passing Windsor Castle, the rowers stand to attention in their boat with oars raised and salute "Her Majesty The Queen, Seigneur of the Swans".
www.royalswan.co.uk/
Open Air (quick) painting event and competition where, during a four-hour period, Artists create their own masterpieces at locations around the town centre. Their interpretations are then exhibited on easels, with votes cast and prizes awarded.
www.windsor.gov.uk
The family-focussed free event takes place in Maidenhead’s Kidwells Park. The festival features music, a beach, fairground, stalls and side-shows as well as circus performers.
www.maidenheadfestival.org.uk
With the exception of Royal Ascot, this is the most important, historic and glamorous racing meeting in Ascot’s calendar. A less forma, event, it combines world-class flat racing with summer style, live music and a quintessential English garden party atmosphere.
www.ascot.co.uk/horse-races-and-events
A unique fixture in the global racing calendar as the world’s top jockeys come together to compete for the points to lift racing’s ultimate team prize. For many visitors, the off-track entertainment is every bit appealing with a post-racing concert on the Old Paddock Lawns.
www.ascot.co.uk/horse-races-and-events
Windsor Great Park hosts the annual celebration of the British countryside with four days of live arena shows, hands-on activities, farm-animal demonstrations, debates, food, drink and shopping from independent retailers and lifestyle brands.
http://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/news-and-events/events/bbc-countryfile-live
Chapterhouse Theatre Company annual programme brings favourites – Emma, Little Women, Jane Eyre and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to The Savill Garden. Ticket holders have special access to picnic in the Garden from 4.30pm onwards, prior to the performance at 7pm.
www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/news-and-events/events
Fantastic flat racing stirred with a host of culinary attractions, samplings and appearances from star chefs – a weekend when elite sport and culinary experts share top billing. Racegoers can sample and purchase food and wines from more than 40 stalls.
www.ascot.co.uk/horse-races-and-events
Reaching its 50th Anniversary in 2019, this celebration of music, literature and the arts attracts distinguished artists from around the world to perform in prestigious venues including Windsor Castle’s Waterloo Chamber, St George’s Chapel, the Eton College Chapel and the Theatre Royal.
www.windsorfestival.com
An exhibition of over 60 pieces of sculpture by acclaimed and emerging UK artists forms a trail around The Savill Garden. Each piece is placed so that the surrounding flora shows it to best effect throughout the display.
www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk
The Fringe offers a mixed programme of the arts and entertainment: music of all kinds, drama, visual arts (including photography and sculpture), film, poetry, informative walks in Windsor, gastronomy – and even conkers. Many young artists, such as soprano Dame Emma Kirkby and jazz musician Jamie Cullum, cut their teeth in the Fringe, and went on to become household names.
www.windsorfringe.co.uk
The course start and finishes along the Long Walk and passes through some of the most beautiful countryside in Windsor Great Park.
https://www.windsorwomens10k.com/the-event/
Run one of the world’s most picturesque courses on traffic-free roads around Windsor Great Park, with the start and finish on The Long Walk and with fantastic views of Windsor Castle as a backdrop.
www.runwindsor.com
The 13th Ascot Racecourse Beer Festival in association with CAMRA; enjoy exciting Flat racing at this extensive regional Beer Festival as you sup on an array of over 200 real ales, cider and perries.
www.ascot.co.uk/horse-races-and-events
Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday Ascot, 31 October 2020
www.ascot.co.uk/horse-races-and-events
Fireworks Spectacular Royal Windsor Racecourse, 7 November 2020
www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk
This prominent national arts event brings together 150 award-winning and emerging artists and galleries to exhibit their work at Royal Windsor racecourse. The event showcases contemporary and fine art under one roof, with prices ranging from £40 - £4,000.
www.windsorcontemporaryartfair.co.uk
Evoke the spirit of the great writers and potentates who stayed here and continue the tradition of the house as a sanctuary for lovers of literature. The festival’s themes usually reflect Cliveden’s own story as a political and literary salon, a status it has kept into the 21st century.
http://clivedenliteraryfestival.org/
Situated in Alexandra Gardens, the covered main rink has an outside ice-skating track, viewing area, festive food court and under-cover attractions, so non-skaters can relax and stay warm. Ice-guides to teach basic skating techniques are available with advance booking.
www.windsoronice.com
An immersive Christmas experience for young children, rated as the UK’s most magical Christmas Experience, is located in Whitmoor Forest, Windsor Great Park. Open on selected dates between November and Christmas Eve.
www.laplanduk.co.uk
Christmas Lights Switch on:
Eton, 19 November 2020
Windsor, 21 November 2020
Windsor Living Advent Calendar, 01 – 24 December 2020
A different businesses window or door opens each evening at 6:15pm promptly for a 15 minute “live” Christmas themed performance - carols, music, poetry, readings, folklore, sketches, dance etc. – usually followed by an invite to Christmas treats and nibbles.
www.windsor.gov.uk
Windsor Reindeer Parade, 5 December 2020
Carols on the Hill, Windsor, 11 December 2020
Festivo, St George’s Chapel, TBC December 2020
Ratings & Reviews
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