BackIt’s almost 2019 and as the new year rolls out ahead of us, so too do the red carpets. 2019 diary dates have now been released for almost all of the world’s most esteemed galas, shows, festivals, events and balls. Here’s our round-up of the best with insight into how to attend in true style.
Snow Polo St Moritz, Switzerland, 25th to 27th January
Unfolding on top of the ice of the frozen lake in St. Moritz, the Snow Polo World Cup is known as the globe’s most pre-eminent polo tournament on snow. The top tier tickets give you access to the VIP area, where you can watch the sporting action unfold undercover whilst eating a gourmet lunch provided by 5-star Badrutt's Palace Hotel. To really make the most of the occasion, you’ll need to get tickets to the black-tie gala dinner, too. It’s held at Badrutt's on the Sunday evening and tickets cost £670 per person.
The Grand National, England, 4th to 6th April
The Grand National is one of the highlights of the international horse racing calendar. Tables in The Jockey Club restaurant are all sold out for the Grand National event itself on 6th April. Almost as choice an option are tickets for the Pavilion restaurant, which serves up views over the starting line as well as a drinks reception, four course lunch, traditional afternoon tea and private tote betting.
The Met Gala, USA, May 6
Entry to the Met Gala is by invitation only. A-listers from the world of film, music and design are invited along with the world’s top socialites. The event was set up to raise money for the museum’s Costume Institute, so museum benefactors are also on the guest list. Donations of between $70,000 and $250,000 are rumoured to be about enough to secure a table.
Royal Windsor Horse Show, England, 8th to 12th May
2019 will be a red-letter year for the Royal Windsor Horse Show, as it marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria. A special pageant will be held in memory of the queen featuring a 90-minute show performed by a cast of 500 performers and 400 horses. For the most premium experience you’ll need to purchase a Royal Windsor Horse Show Membership Ticket. They cost £350 and include premium seating alongside the Royal Box, VIP access to the exclusive The Club with its restaurant and arena side lawn, and tickets to the pageant.
Monaco Red Cross Ball, Monaco, 26th July
Your name will be added to a historical guest list that features names such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davos Jr and Shirley Bassey when you get tickets for the Monaco Red Cross Ball. They’re not just handed out to anybody, though. You have to apply for them by email through the Monaco Red Cross. When you do have one, you’ll be entitled to a red-carpet welcome at the Salle des Etoiles, a lucky draw, a refined dinner, and the concert, ball and fireworks display.
Cowes Week, England, 10th to 17th August
Vanity Fair Cannes Party, France, 17th May
The Vanity Fair Cannes Party is arguably the highlight of Cannes Film Festival. It’s hosted at Hotel du Cap where the terrace looks out over the smiling shore of the French Riviera. The evening starts off with gourmet food – artichoke risotto and roasted blue lobster is a typical menu – before guests move inside for the after-party with live music and dancing. Invites are rare as Golden Tickets but they’re not impossible to get hold of. When you do, you’re looking at a price tag of around £7,000 per person.
Salon Privé Concours d'Elégance Classic Cars Show, England, 5th to 8th September
Held at the birthplace of British wartime prime minister Winston Churchill, the Salon Privé Concours d'Elégance Classic Cars Show floods the grounds of Blenheim Palace. Classic cars gleam alongside hyper cars and supercars while a luxury lifestyle party takes place in the gardens. Private dining for tables of 12 is available in the Churchill Pavilion. These exclusive packages include morning coffee, a drinks reception, luncheon and afternoon tea, all served up in view of the South Lawn. Table prices start at £4,752.
Cowes Week image courtesy of The Sun. Vanity Fair Cannes Party image courtesy of Cornucopia Events official page. All other images belong to the official Facebook pages of the events and organisations mentioned in the post.