Royal Windsor Ladies Day returns on Saturday 27th June, bringing together racing, fashion, friends, fizz and a proper summer day out by the Thames.

There will be seven flat races, a Style Awards competition, a 70s party after racing and tickets from £35. In other words, it is not just a race day. It is a reason to dress up, meet friends and make a whole day of it.

1. Arrive by riverboat

Not many race days begin with a boat trip.

One of the loveliest things about Royal Windsor Racecourse is its riverboat shuttle, which takes racegoers from Windsor Promenade along the River Thames and straight to the racecourse’s private jetty.

It gives the day a bit of theatre before you have even placed a bet or seen a horse. Much better than fighting for a parking space in heels.

2. The Style Awards are back

Ladies Day is always one of the most stylish fixtures in the racing calendar, and this year the Style Awards return with £1,000 worth of prizes.

There are four categories: Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Gentleman, Best Dressed Couple and Best Hat.

Racing presenter Amy Christophers has also put together a style guide for the season, encouraging people to have a bit more fun with what they wear. Less copy-and-paste outfit. More personality, colour and confidence.

3. You do not need a brand-new outfit

This might be the best bit of advice.

Amy’s guide makes the point that you do not need to spend a fortune to look good. That dress at the back of the wardrobe could easily have another day out. Add a new hat, a bold brooch, some ribbons, statement earrings or a bit of colour and suddenly it feels completely different.

This year’s race day style is about being creative. Citrus shades, soft pastels, smart neutrals and handmade touches are all very welcome. A great hat or clever accessory can do far more than an expensive dress.

4. There is plenty happening after the racing

Gates open at 11.50am, with the first race at 1.50pm and the last race at 5.10pm.

For the first hour after gates open, ticketholders can enjoy 50% off selected draught drinks, including lager, cider, bitter, Guinness and soft drinks. There is also money off bottles of wine, Prosecco, Champagne and jugs of Pimm’s, which feels very Ladies Day.

And when the racing finishes, the day does not just fade away. The afterparty continues with live music from The Earth Wind for Hire 70s Disco Band, bringing plenty of disco classics and party energy to the racecourse.

5. Dress for the whole day

A good Ladies Day outfit has to do more than look good for the first photo.

You will be walking, standing, cheering, chatting, dancing and possibly crossing grass. Amy suggests thinking practically as well as stylishly: lower heels, heel protectors, blister pads, gel insoles, safety pins and a phone charger are all sensible additions.

And because this is Britain, check the weather. A transparent umbrella might not sound glamorous, but it keeps the outfit visible and saves the hair if the clouds arrive.

Royal Windsor Ladies Day takes place on Saturday 27th June, with tickets starting from £35. Expect racing, riverside arrivals, big hats, bold outfits, music, fizz and plenty of sparkle.