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WHAT TO WATCH: Sir Mo Farah, Usain Bolt and a fan

FANCY TAKING in a top class sports event in 2017? Well, take a look at some of the highlights of the sporting
year and see what appeals, from the pomp of June’s world famous Royal Ascot to the home straight of the World athletics Championships later this year.

ROYAL ASCOT
June 20-24

Royal Ascot is Britain’s most valuable race meeting, attracting many of the world’s finest racehorses to compete for more than £6.58 milllion in prize money. In 2013, The Queen watched her horse, Estimate, triumph in the Gold Cup. A dedicated owner, she has attended every royal meeting during her reign, and the Royal Procession is always an iconic moment at the start of every race day.

Anticipated and revered, these five days are made for socialising. Long seen as a spectacle of fashion and style, they are referenced the world over. Each year, the meeting is broadcast to audiences around the globe, yet to experience it in person is something altogether more special. Visit: www.ascot.co.uk Recommended hotel: www.sunningdaleascot.co.uk (two miles from Ascot)

WIMBLEDON
July 3-16

This is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, and is widely considered the most prestigious. It has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London since 1877 and is played on outdoor grass courts. Unfortunately, the best way to gain entry to the hallowed courts has passed most people by.

The Public Ballot, introduced in 1924, has always been substantially oversubscribed – and that will be the case again this year. However, you can still see the likes of Sir Andy Murray and Serena Williams if you are prepared to queue. Visit: www.wimbledon.com Recommended hotel: www.glasshouserestaurant. co.uk (0.2 miles Wimbledon)

BRITISH FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX, SILVERSTONE
July 14-16

It’s not every day that you get the chance to clap eyes on Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton. The three-time world champion will be keen not only to regain his crown, but win in front of his home fans once again.

F1 drivers call the British Grand Prix at Silverstone circuit ‘insanely fast’. In simple terms, it is one of the world’s greatest sporting events. Throw in a great weekend-long party and the race is on.

Be aware that advance tickets have already sold out, but there will be a number of tickets available on the day. Visit: www.silverstone.co.uk Recommended hotel: www.miltonkeyneshotel.com (6.1 miles from Silverstone)

WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS, THE STADIUM, QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK
August 4-13

Do whatever you can to get a ticket for the highlight of the sporting summer. This will be the track swan song of sprint legend Usain Bolt and long-distance king, Sir Mo Farah. Both will be among the world’s best athletes going for gold in the former Olympic Stadium.

The World ParaAthletics Championships take place from July 14-23. Visit: www.london2017athletics.com Recommended hotel: www.holidayinn.com/stratford (0.6 miles)

WEST INDIES CRICKET TOUR OF ENGLAND
August 17-September 29

OK, so the West Indies are currently amongst the whipping boys of Test cricket, but they still have a magical pull. While the longest format of the game is beyond them, the Caribbean are the two-time World T20 champions.

On show will be the likes of big-hitting opener Chris Gayle and all-rounder Jason Holder. The tour starts with the first Test at Edgbaston. The team will also play one-day and T20 internationals.
Visit: www.ecb.co.uk Recommended hotel: www.parkregisbirming ham.co.uk (0.7 miles from Edgbaston).