The York Dante Festival 2026 is a three day event of top class racing flat leading up to the Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot. It’s also an event to showcase your own top class racing style. From Wednesday 13th to Friday 15th May 2026.

Official Dress Code for the County Stand

This is their premier enclosure. Unlike for the gentlemen, there is no formal dress code for the ladies, but most choose to dress up. Think ‘wedding guest’ attire, with many ladies wearing dresses, high heels and a hat or fascinator.

All prices are correct at time of publishing

Have ‘pretty in pink’ wrapped up in bows with Goddiva’s  Gayu Sleeveless Bow Wrinkles Midi Dress £153.90 Shade your bare shoulders from the sun with a wide brimmed hat. Jenny Roberts Millinery’s Cerise Pink Straw Hat with Jinsin Trim has a classic down turned brim and is trimmed simply with a jinsin bow and cut coque feathers.  £94.00 to hire for a week. Buckle up with GUESS® Genuine leather sabot mules. In pink suede and leather, £385.00. Carry a mid size handbag for all your racing essentials such as a pashmina for when the weather becomes chilly. GUESS® Hallie geometric-print handbag £140.00. Set off your decolletage with their Petra necklace a three chain necklace sprinkled with small fuchsia crystals. Was £200.00 now £140.00 and Petra earrings small hoop earrings with crystal charms. Was £60.00 now £42.00. Don’t forget the sunglasses GUESS® Cat eye sunglasses with transparent pink frames and light bordeaux lenses. £85.00

Official Dress Code for the Grandstand and Paddock

These areas have no formal dress code so 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 glammed up. Fancy dress (within bounds of decency) is not unusual but please ensure it is family friendly.

Go zesty with Marella’s orange Fit-and-flare poplin dress The colour may be hot but the fabric will keep you cool 98% cotton, 2% elastane; lining 100% cotton. £335.00 Top it with Jenny Robert’s Orange Sinamay Headpiece with Bow and Petersham Cockade Trim Set on a straw base and trimmed matching straw bow, loops and ribbon flower. £94.00 to hire for a week. Walk on the wild side in Marella’s Python-print mules, brown The Kitten heel is elegant and purrfect for a day of standing and walking. £200.00 Cool down the sunny orange with their smooth pistachio green Le Muse bag in reptile-print coated fabric £140.00 Be bold with Marella’s multi-strand necklace adorned with a shiny compilation of hearts and pearls , £125.00 and their Hammered earrings £60.00 Complete the look with their Cat-eye glasses, in multiple shades of brown £155.00.

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.

Land’s End Wrap Front Midi Dress in midnight sky pinstripe is casual and stylish. Made from 100% cotton poplin with concealed side pockets. The elbow length sleeves and shirt opening allow for a tee shirt underneath if you prefer layering. £120.00  As the area is outside, also take a jacket for the chilly periods, their Denim Trucker Jacket in breeze blue wash stretch denim £90.00. Wear comfortable shoes Land’s End Lightweight Knitted Trainers in soft lavender are both comfortable and cute £55.00 Carry a larger bag, their Mini Tote Bag in pale blue is large enough to pack in your race day essentials. £75.00 Accessorise with their Titania Cat Eye Sunglasses in matt ivory £55.00 Pearl Stud Earrings £30.00 and  Hinge Bangle in mixed metal £55.00. Take their Wide Brimmed Straw Sun Hat  which features a removable black scarf so you can thread your own scarf through the eyelets. It is also foldable by design to go into your bag when not required, £35.00

Goddiva, Guess and Marella images courtesy of pr agency Trace Publicity

Land’s End images courtesy of pr agency Purple PR