The Qatar Goodwood Festival suits its well-known name of ‘Glorious Goodwood’ perfectly, being more relaxed than Ascot and a society favourite on the flat racing calendar. Timed for the height of summer, it is the perfect event to attend with a group of friends, and sip Pimm’s on ice and relax with a picnic. We guide you through this unique Festival with etiquette tips and style advice to get the most from your visit.
THE BACKGROUND TO GLORIOUS GOODWOOD
Where is Goodwood Festival?
The Qatar Goodwood Festival is a five-day celebration of flat horse racing, held at
Goodwood Racecourse, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Sussex countryside, within the South Downs National Park.
When is Glorious Goodwood?
The annual event is usually at the end of July and beginning of August. In 2020, the festival will take place from the 28th July to 1st August.
History
Goodwood Racecourse celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2002 and is known as one of the most scenic race tracks in the world. Horse racing was first introduced at Goodwood by the Third Duke of Richmond for the enjoyment of the officers of the Sussex Militia, of which he was a Colonel. Today, the 12,000-acre Goodwood Estate remains under the ownership of the Richmond family with the 11th Duke of Richmond residing at Goodwood House. Falling at the end of the flat racing season, popularly known ‘Glorious Goodwood’ has always had a relatively informal atmosphere. Beginning in 1814, Goodwood Festival’s laid-back atmosphere and dress code was appreciated by the 19th Century aristocracy as it coincided with the end of the London social season, before they retired to their country estates for the rest of the summer. Goodwood’s enduring appeal was sealed in 2014 with a lucrative 10 year partnership with Qatar. Commencing in 2015, it was the single largest sponsorship deal ever in British horse racing history and makes the Qatar Goodwood Festival one of the most valuable race meetings in the world. Total prize money for the week now tops £5.5 million.
ETIQUETTE AT GLORIOUS GOODWOOD
Glorious Goodwood is named as such due to the scenic racecourse and relaxed vibe that imbues the entire event. When King Edward VII described Glorious Goodwood as a “garden party with racing tacked on”, he set the tone that has been enjoyed to this day. The unique feel of Goodwood has continued to shape what is ‘the done thing’ or otherwise ever since. Here are our tips for etiquette to follow:
Glorious Goodwood Dress Code
Glorious Goodwood has a more unbuttoned style than Ascot with attendees wearing lighter summer fabrics, flowing maxi dresses and pale suits. In 1906, Britain’s King Edward VII wore a linen suit and Panama hat to Glorious Goodwood, rather than a traditional morning suit and so, the trend for informal elegance began. See our guide for ladies and men on what to wear at the Festival.
Manners go a long way
Although Goodwood is a more relaxed affair, poor manners will not go unnoticed. You may be meeting people for the first time or in a social group you know well, either way it pays to be courteous and considerate to those around you. This includes being accommodating to others trying to view the course. You may be unknowingly blocking someone’s view while wearing a large hat. Hats can always be removed at Goodwood.
Enjoy a glass of Pimm’s
Pimm’s is the perfect drink for long summer days at Goodwood. It is a great tipple to enjoy while relaxing with friends or having a picnic. Just remember to pace your alcohol intake during the day, particularly on long, hot summer days and switch to non-alcoholic drinks from time to time.
Do not get overly competitive
At the races you will want to enjoy a flutter, but do not become too competitive. If you lose do not sulk and if you win, be careful not to gloat or brag, especially over less fortunate companions.
Old school chivalry
Gentlemen holding doors open for women is still an appreciated gesture. If you are being introduced to someone new by your social circle, do get up from your seat to greet them. Being courteous coincides with having a pleasant time at Glorious Goodwood.
Avoid getting starstruck
Celebrities and socialites head to the Goodwood Festival every year, so you may end up rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous. They are there to enjoy their day as well and you should respect their privacy. Taking selfies with celebrities is not the done thing at Goodwood as it is a social event and not a meet and greet.
The different enclosures
There are three enclosures at Goodwood Racecourse: the Richmond Enclosure, the Gordon Enclosure and the Lennox Enclosure, and each have different levels of formality.
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The Richmond Enclosure is exclusively a Members-only area during the Qatar Goodwood Festival. It is Goodwood’s equivalent to the Royal Enclosure at Ascot, albeit with a less formal dress code. If you are in the Richmond Enclosure, you will also have access to the Gordon and Lennox Enclosures. Those lucky enough to be Members or invited as their special guests, have the chance to dine and drink in stylish bars including the Veuve Clicquot Champagne and Seafood Bar and Lawn. The Richmond Enclosure also affords the best views of the winning post and parade ring. If you are attending as a guest of a Member, ensure you write a gracious thank you letter soon after the event.
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The Gordon Enclosure is slightly less formal and if you have a ticket to this enclosure, you can also use the Lennox Enclosure.
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The Lennox is the most informal enclosure, which is popular with families as it has a children’s playground and large grassy areas for picnics. If your ticket is for the Lennox Enclosure, you will not have access to any other enclosure. Just be aware that no glass bottles or alcohol are permitted to be brought into Goodwood. All the enclosures have dress codes that you should respectfully follow. See our ‘What to wear’ guide below.
WHAT TO WEAR TO GLORIOUS GOODWOOD
Goodwood Festival style is all about smart daywear, but never stuffy. The garden party feel of the Festival lends itself to individuality in fashion and softer, free-flowing fabrics. Close fitting, uncompromising fabrics and morning suits do not match the smart yet undone style of Goodwood. Informal elegance is what you should aim for.
Ladies style guide for Goodwood
Embrace the garden party feel and wear these key pieces at Goodwood: a maxi dress, wedge heels or flat sandals, a wide brimmed hat, chic jewellery and finish your style with polished grooming.
The dress
A dress or a separate skirt and top are likely to be the main part of your outfit. Whatever you choose, you will be wearing your clothes for several hours, so make sure they feel good and do not ride up too much when you sit down. Silk full-length maxi dresses or tea dresses with delicate cap sleeves look effortlessly chic. You can wear a more structured dress if you wish, but it must feel comfortable for all day wear – for instance, check that dresses with boning at the sides do not dig in. In the Richmond Enclosure, ladies are encouraged to wear elegant summer dresses. The following garments are not permitted in the Richmond Enclosure: jeans, trainers, shorts and fancy dress. As the most formal area, your outfit should never fall short of modest. So, we would avoid super short mini-skirts or anything too revealing. A flowing maxi dress in soft pastel hues or statement prints is contemporary and graceful. The Gordon Enclosure is the most formal public space, so you should still wear elegant attire and the organisers encourage you to dress to impress. Showing your midriff would not go down well. To stop people going too casual, T-shirts, sportswear, trainers, ripped or torn jeans, shorts and fancy dress are not permitted in this area. Tailored shorts are allowed but we would recommend teaming them with a matching jacket. If you are not a dress person that is ok, wear what you are comfortable in – loose flowing brightly coloured trousers can also look chic. There is no formal dress code for attendees in the Lennox Enclosure, but it is still best to dress-up for the occasion. Fancy dress is not permitted anywhere at Goodwood.
Wedge heels or chic sandals
Wear flats or heels, it is entirely up to you. At other large race events, it is unusual to see women in flats, but not so at Goodwood. Pretty flat sandals that are easy to walk in are perfect for the chilled vibe at this meet. Bright colours or intricate details make flats just as stylish as heels. If you prefer heels, we recommend picking a comfortable wedge sandal or low kitten heel that looks great with a flowing maxi dress. Heels can be more flattering is you are wearing a mid-length dress or are petite. Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahnik are frequently the designer shoes of choice for fashionistas attending Goodwood. Wear your footwear at least once before the event, even if they are flats, to check for comfort and avoid blisters.
A Panama or wide brimmed hat
An iconic style item, the Panama hat has been worn at Goodwood by ladies and men for centuries. Its timeless design goes with any outfit and the wide brim shields you from the sun. Other wide brimmed or floppy hat styles also work well for Goodwood. A traditional straw cloche hat is another alternative if you suit a smaller hat shape. However, if you decide to forgo a hat, that is no problem as hats are not compulsory. You could try a beaded hair clip or pretty flower headband instead.
Accessorise
Complete your outfit with stylish jewellery and a handbag that suits your taste. Also, sunglasses are a must for Goodwood as you may be lucky and enjoy all day sunshine. Parasols can look too My Fair Lady-ish – a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are better to keep your head and eyes shaded. However, as the British weather can be unpredictable, we would suggest taking an umbrella for protection against rain showers. It would not be a good look to get drenched at Goodwood!
Ladies' Day at Goodwood
Ladies' Day usually occurs on day three of the meet and it is the place to be seen. The Goodwood ladies day dress code is no different to the other four race days, but we recommend spending a little more time on your outfit and wearing a stylish hat. It is the most glamorous day and you should aim to look effortlessly stylish. Accessories and millinery can completely change the appearance of what you are wearing, allowing you to add embellishment and express your personality. Wear a bespoke hat and accessories for individual style. If your dress is from the high street, you can change up your outfit with a stylish belt, elaborate hat or handbag. So, even if you spot a fellow racegoer in the same dress, your accessories will set you apart.
Men’s style guide for Goodwood
Gentlemen, this is your time to look effortlessly dapper in relaxed tailoring. Smart daywear need not be stuffy, and you should dress to impress regardless of what enclosure you have entry to. We have selected key pieces to help you pull together a great look for Goodwood:
Relaxed tailoring
Pale coloured summer suits in light fabrics are synonymous with the Qatar Goodwood Festival. Leave the dark suits and tails for other occasions. You are not attending a sombre event where dark colours are expected, you are attending a ‘garden party with racing tacked on’; as King Edward VII famously described the event. The Festival is at the height of summer and fabrics such as linen, silk and cotton mixes, and lightweight wool are common for men’s suits. A linen suit is traditional at Goodwood, but with so many other lightweight materials on the market today, you may choose a fabric that creases less when you sit down for your picnic. The Richmond Enclosure is the only area that requires you to wear a jacket and a tie or cravat. However, it is a smart style for any gentlemen in the other enclosures as well. Choose tailoring that is not stuffy and reflects the atmosphere at Goodwood – team a double-breasted blazer in a pale check design with a tailored shirt. For well-cut summer blazers, look no further than Taylor & Twill's Linen range including the Hugo Jacket. Wearing a crisp white shirt underneath your jacket is always a smart choice. Cotton is a naturally breathable fabric and Gant’s Oxford Shirt has a slim-fit contemporary style. Note that sleeveless tops for men are not permitted in any enclosure at Goodwood.
Trousers
Suit or tailored trousers are all about the fit and this applies whether the material is in a relaxed fabric, like linen, or not. When choosing your trousers, ensure the legs are neither too short nor long and are not too tight across the waist. Make sure you can sit comfortably in them. If the trousers feel too loose, try the next size down rather than using a belt to make them fit. You may decide to wear suit trousers to match your suit jacket or alternatively, wear different jacket and trouser combinations. Opting for different trousers to your jacket, allows you to show individuality and flair in your clothes. You could team a bold coloured trouser with a pale jacket, or instead a printed jacket with neutral trousers. If you are confident wearing colour, tailored pink or red chinos look dapper paired with a contrasting cream jacket. Then use your shirt and cravat or tie to pick up on the tone of your trousers and, excuse the pun, tie your entire outfit together. No jeans are allowed in the Richmond Enclosure, and in the Gordon Enclosure, ripped or torn jeans are not permitted. We would recommend not wearing jeans in any of the enclosures because the occasion gives you a good opportunity to wear smarter attire than your usual weekend wear. You can wear tailored shorts in the Gordon and Lennox Enclosures, but make sure they are long shorts that sit at knee-length or just above the knee and not tennis shorts! Tailored chino style shorts are best, but trousers will always look smarter. No shorts are permitted in the Richmond Enclosure.
Brogues and socks
A brogue shoe is a classic design that looks effortlessly smart – exactly what you should aim for at Goodwood. Their timeless appeal means you can still show personality in your shoes, for example with a two-tone coloured brogue to add a 1920’s twist, or a classic tan brogue with vintage detailing, such as Loake’s Foley Derby Brogues. Loake brogues are made with expert craftsmanship and quality details, including Goodyear welted soles and full leather linings and insoles. Suede brogues are another modern take on the traditional brogue and can feel lighter on the feet for all day wear. Wear your brogues with quality socks in a classic-colour or fun pattern. Socks become an important style consideration as soon as you sit down. Also, ankle socks will make your shoes more comfortable to wear, absorbing some of the sweat as you expire. From GANT to Pantherella, there is a wide array of socks for you to choose from. Trainers are not permitted in the Richmond and Gordon Enclosures and we would also advise wearing something smarter in the Lennox Enclosure.
A Panama hat
The quintessential Panama hat is a mainstay of fashion at Glorious Goodwood. If you sport this traditional brimmed straw hat, you will fit in seamlessly with many other gentlemen at the event. These hats are not an obligatory requirement but are a symbolic item for a traditional Goodwood look and are especially encouraged for the Members only area. Goodwood offer their own Panama hats for purchase that include red and yellow bands, inspired by the jockey apparel seen in a George Stubbs painting.
A tie or cravat
A necktie allows you to add extra pizazz to your ensemble. After all, the event organisers encourage you to dress smart but still express your personality. In the Richmond Enclosure a tie or cravat is a mandatory requirement for gentlemen, and it is a smart choice for the other enclosures too. Pick a tie that expresses who you are and what your style is – from confident striking colours to stripes or silks, it is your choice. Atkinsons have a fantastic selection of silk ties. Bow-ties and cravats are also popular men’s accessories at Goodwood. Cravats should be tucked inside an open-neck shirt and for the perfect finishing touch, place a pocket square in the breast pocket of your jacket. *Sources referred to for the creation of this document.
