Summer Solstice & Royal Ascot in news

The soggiest solstice ever

In spite of the soggy weather, thousands welcomed the Sun at the prehistoric monument!... Follow this link to take a look at a very interesting photo gallery!... The Telegraph's headline 'Solstice revellers celebrate a grey and wet midsummer dawn at Stonehenge' also highlights the soggy weather. BBC News Wiltshire reports that 'the Police estimated more than 14,000 people arrived for the solstice celebrations. English Heritage said it was one of the lowest attendances in recent years.' In the picture below, visitors to Stonehenge wrapped up in waterproof ponchos to celebrate the summer solstice!...

Photo Credits: SWNS.com

Sunshine & rain at the Royal Ascot

As for The Royal Ascot, the sun shone on day one (photo gallery). The highlight for this day was the enforcement of a new strict dress code by the Royal Ascot fashion police. 'You're not coming in dressed like THAT!', so they said to the racegoers who 'had forgotten' the rules!... Take a look at some fantastic pictures, a courtesy of BBC News Berkshire. My Daily portrays the Royal Ascot 2012 as 'All The Weird And Wonderful Fashion From The Races'. As for itvNews (photo gallery), 'Fashion takes centre stage at Ascot'. The dailymail.co.uk's headline reports that 'It won't rain on our fashion parade! Ladies Day racegoers brave bad weather at Royal Ascot to put on stunning display of hat designs'. You might like to take a look at the photo gallery.

A race-goer during day one of the 2012 Royal Ascot.
Credit: Tim Ireland/PA Wire

Racing fan: The Queen first went to Ascot in 1945 and has attended every year since

Mandatory credit: WENN.com

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Summer Solstice @Stonehenge

Horses, hats & the royals

Horses, Hats and the Royals

photo credit: John Mason via photo pin cc

Ascot Racecourse is a famous English racecourse, located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire, used for thoroughbred horse racing. It is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK's 32 annual Group 1 races. The course is closely associated with the British Royal Family, being approximately six miles from Windsor Castle, and owned by Ascot Racecourse Ltd.

In Ascot Racecourse (abridged)

The five days of the Royal Meeting at Ascot - June 19th to June 23rd - provide one of the most unique and colourful occasions on the sporting calendar. Queen Ann founded Ascot Races in 1711 and members of the Royal family still lead the procession from Windsor Castle to Ascot each day. The Gold Cup meeting, or 'Ladies Day' as it is famously known, is a great day at the races and one not to be missed. Focus switches from racing to fashion, in particular ladies and their hats! 

In LadiesDay (abridged)

Nevertheless, fascinators - the delicate whimsical pieces of headwear favored by the young and posh in Britain and beyond - have been banned from the royal enclosure at Royal Ascot this year. The dress code is new for 2012. Ladies, for example, are asked to wear dresses and skirts that should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer. 

In Ascot (abridged and adapted)

Follow this link to take a look at other flamboyant hats usually worn at Ascot!

To know more about this event, visit Ascot's official website @

 http://www.ascot.co.uk/