The York Dante Festival is named after the British thoroughbred racehorse who was the last horse trained in Yorkshire to win the Derby in 1945 ( run at Newmarket due to WWII). This three day flat racing event takes place this year from Wednesday 13th to Friday 15th May 2026.

Official Dress Code for the County Stand

This is their premier enclosure and has a formal dress code of collared shirt, jacket and tie for men. Short sleeved shirts, bow ties, cravats and dress shorts are all also accepted within the dress code. We say: Most gentlemen go all the sartorial way wearing a suit and tie.  

All prices are correct at time of publishing.

With stores nationwide, Brook Taverner’s roots are with Yorkshire. They offer a range of suits perfect for a day at the races such as their Tailored Fit Hayton Textured Suit in light sage green £149.00. Don’t forget a belt, choose their light brown Chelmsford Leather Belt  £44.95 For that extra sartorial look, wear the suit with its matching waistcoat £50.00 plus it gives an extra layer if the weather is chilly. Choose one of their double cuff white Formal Shirt so you can add more personality by wearing cufflinks. Simon Carter’s Stubbs Horse Cufflink pays homage to George Stubbs (master of horse painting). A horse and rider transfer is printed on to white mother of pearl and finished off with a clear resin. £75.00.  Team the shirt with Brook Taverner’s Champagne Paisley Tie and Pocket Square Set in pure silk £29.95 A traditional sartorial rule is not to have the tie and pocket square matching so keep the pocket square for another time. Swap for Simon Carter’s Night Paisley Silk Pocket Square which still has the classic paisley print but with a twist. Interwoven in the pattern are fern tendrils and climbing flowers plus barn owls hiding amongst them. £55.00. An elegant loafer will complete the outfit such as Loake Lynch Penny Loafers in Scotch patina leather £199.00 and also a pair of designer sunglasses Paul Smith’s Havana ‘Pinnell’ Sunglasses feature gold temples with ‘Artist Stripe’ tip detailing for a signature pop of colour. Complete with khaki Havana contrast detailing and solid green lenses, £270.00

Official Dress Code for the Grandstand and Paddock 

No formal dress code and feel free to dress as you wish and feel comfortable. However, taking the lead from the County Stand dress code, many racegoers in this enclosure do like to use a day at the races as an excuse to get suited up. Fancy dress (within bounds of decency) is not unusual but please ensure it is family friendly. 

Linen suit season has sprung, although whilst the days are still cool, go for the darker shades such as Yorkshire menswear brand Joseph Turner Linen Suit Jacket in Olive £324.00 with matching Linen Suit Trousers in Olive £185.00. Add their  Classic Leather Belt in Tan £89.00. Here the suit is teamed with their Linen Shirt – Safari Print Long Sleeve £99.00. Keep the safari theme going with Simon Carter’s Jungle Scene Silk Pocket Square designed in-house with a tropical themed scene of monkeys, palms, papayas and jaguars. Colour palette of rich carmine red and sap greens with yellow accents. £55.00. A suede loafer will complement the relaxed style of the linen suit such as their Loakes Penny Loafer in brown suede. £189.00. Accessorise with Simon Carter’s Jacob Tigerseye Bracelet £65.00 and Paul Smith’s designer Transparent Khaki ‘Mellor’ Sunglasses  £225.00. If sunny, wear Joseph Turner’s cream Panama Hat – Cream hand-woven in Ecuador (the home of the Panama hat) in a bleached straw with a black ribbon £112.00

Official Dress Code for the Clocktower Enclosure

This is a relaxed area in which to enjoy picnics with family and friends whilst watching the racing. It is their most relaxed enclosure and they suggest comfortable, practical, weather appropriate clothing and footwear, as the area is outside and therefore exposed to the elements. 

Team Land’s End Men’s Rugby Shirt in seasalt pink stripe £75.00 with their   All-Day Coolmax Straight Leg Stretch Jeans in mid wash denim. These jeans are made with moisture-managing COOLMAX® fibres to help keep you feeling fresh on warmer days. With two-way stretch for added flexibility £89.00. The rugby shirt is 100% cotton and is perfect for layering or solo wear. If layering wear underneath their  Supima Crew Neck T-Shirt in pink quartz. Supima® cotton is famous for its extra long, extra strong fibres; resulting in extra softness and resilience. £35.00. To wear over the rugby shirt take their Pure Linen Jacket in deep sea navy £129.00. Carry their navy Multi Pocket Bag just in case you want to take off any layers. £80.00. Plus it is good to carry any other essentials such as their Pure Cotton Baseball Cap £20.00 and Unisex Rising Sunglasses with Round Lenses £65.00 when not required. Wear a pair of their navy Lace‑Up Trainers with leather and suede uppers, £89.00. Accessorise with Simon Carter’s Falmouth Bracelet with burgundy cord woven around stainless steel £50.00

Joseph Turner images courtesy of Joseph Turner marketing dept.

Brook Taverner courtesy of Brook Taverner

Loake images courtesy of Brook Taverner and Joseph Turner

Simon Carter images courtesy of Simon Carter

Land’s End and Paul Smith Sunglasses courtesy of pr agency Purple PR