THE eyes of the world will be on Ascot this weekend as the glittering Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup returns to the racecourse.

The world's premier international jockey's competition, the Cup is one of Ascot's most-loved races, with more than 30,000 racegoers expected to turn out for the meet on Saturday, August 11.

Four teams - Great Britain & Ireland, Europe, the Rest of the World and The Girls - will battle it out in the UK's only team-format raceday, featuring top international jockeys collecting points over six races throughout the high energy day.

But the fun doesn't stop at the final furlong, as world-class entertainment will keep the racecourse rocking long into the evening.

A post-racing concert featuring Rita Ora, Example, DJ Wire, Soul II Soul and DJ Scott Mills will keep the fun going, alongside fairground rides on the Bandstand Lawns, Champagne and cocktail bars and a wide range of restaurants to sample.

Queen Anne Enclosure general admission has now sold out with limited access to the Furlong Club still available for £99 per person which includes admission, food and drink voucher and a private marquee with viewing deck for the day.

Winning Post and King Edward VII Enclosure tickets start from £49 and £69 in advance respectively.

To book tickets and for further information, please call 0344 346 3000 or visit www.ascot.co.uk

THE next big event at Ascot Racecourse will be the Italian Tourist Board Festival of Food and Wine weekend in September.

Taking place alongside two days of premier Flat racing, the festival will see culinary legend Aldo Zilli bring a a taste of the Mediterranean to the demonstration line-up on Friday September 7, while two Michelin-star chef Raymond Blanc OBE is headlining the Gastronome Theatre on Saturday.

Racegoers can also look forward to a four-course menu designed by renowned chefs Raymond Blanc OBE, Head Chef of Pennyhill Park Matt Worswick, TV chef James Tanner and celebrated pastry chef Claire Clark alongside Ascot’s award-winning Executive Chef Gemma Amor and Head Chef Ben Dutson.

Wine aficionado Neil Phillips talking visitors through his pick of wines and winners of the day.

As well as live chef demonstrations, more than 40 stallholders will be showcasing scrumptious produce from across Britain and beyond.

Exhibitor highlights include Riverford – the organic farm and UK-wide veg box delivery company; Silent Pool Distillers, a boutique distillery nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills producing gin made from 24 of the finest botanicals and water from the spring-fed Silent Pool; Casa Das Bolitas, who produce freshly baked dough balls filled with flavours including garlic, feta, halloumi, mozzarella, Cheddar and chicken; and Love a Taste, an exciting start-up online wine business based in Suffolk that offers monthly subscription boxes that contain six different wines selected by a Master of Wine and delivered through your letter box.

Admission to the Italian Tourist Board Festival of Food & Wine Racing Weekend starts from £18 per person for advanced group bookings, including access to both the festival and racing. Children under 18 years of age gain free entry when accompanied by a paying adult.

For further information and to book visit www.ascot.co.uk or call 0344 346 3000.