Last updated: 31.01.2025 at 15:08

Experience world-class horse racing at York’s Dante Festival and make it the ultimate VIP experience with premium hospitality and private box options.

The Dante Festival at York Racecourse is a key event in the British horse racing and social calendar.

This year, the Festival will take place from 14th to 16th May and will see tremendous racing with some of the best jockeys and horses in the world attending.

Keep reading to discover how to have a great day at the races with amazing hospitality.

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What is the York Dante Festival at York?

Dante Festival is a series of horse races running over a three-day period. This Group 2 event is great for serious racing enthusiasts but also makes a fun and exciting weekend of socialising and sport.

Based at York Racecourse, Dante Festival is known to produce winners who go on to be favourites for their respective classics.

The Dante Skates have proven to be a crucial trial for the Epsom Derby and Oaks, and the Yorkshire Cup holds further Group race action ahead of the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

The crowd watching horse racing at York Racecourse
Image: Crowd watching the races at York Racecourse

When is the Dante Festival?

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Hospitality at Dante Festival means that you and your guests will have a memorable VIP experience with all your needs met.

With hospitality and private box packages you will socialise in style and enjoy great views of the racecourse whilst indulging in perks such as quality catering and drinks.

Packages are available for a variety of group sizes and preferences, and can be further tailored to your needs.

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Dante Festival VIP experience - what's included?

Voltigeur Restaurant hospitality

Enjoy Voltigeur Restaurant hospitality with your guests and indulge in a day of great food and views of the races. Tables hold up to 12 guests.

  • Dedicated grandstand seated balcony
  • Final furlong view
  • Welcome drink
  • A gourmet buffet and carvery and afternoon tea
  • County Stand admission
  • Tote betting couriers serving your table

Parade Ring Restaurant hospitality

Images (L-R): Parade Ring Restaurant, Guests enjoying Parade Ring Restaurant hospitality

You will enjoy a three-course a la carte fine dining luncheon and fabulous views of the Parade Ring, Pre Parade Ring and Saddling Boxes with this hospitality package.

  • Ideal for smaller parties (maximum 6 guests)
  • Welcome drink on arrival
  • Three-course a la carte luncheon of the highest fine dining experience
  • Luxury afternoon tea
  • Spacious cash bar
  • Full access to the County Stand
  • Fabulous views of the Parade Ring, Pre Parade Ring and Saddling Boxes
  • Private balcony
  • Betting facilities available

Ebor Restaurant Hospitality: what’s included?

Images (L-R): Ebor Restaurant place settings, Ebor Restaurant dining hospitality

With Ebor Restaurant Hospitality you will enjoy views of the Parade Ring and Winning Post as well as a selection of fine wines and prosecco. Tables can hold up to 12 guests each.

  • Terrace with views towards the Parade Ring
  • Balcony view of the Winning Post
  • Champagne and canape arrival reception
  • Selection of fine wines and Prosecco
  • Complimentary bar (excluding Champagne)
  • A gourmet buffet and carvery and afternoon tea
  • County Stand admission
  • Tote betting couriers serving your table

Private Silks Box hospitality

Images (L-R): Melrose Private Boxes, Ebor and Knavesmire Private Boxes

With the Silk Box package you will indulge in a day of quality dining from morning through to afternoon tea. You will also have exclusive access to a private bar and dedicated service staff. Private boxes can hold between 16 and 80 guests. Celebrate in style with your guests!

  • Private box with balcony
  • Full access to the County Stand
  • Chef’s Grazing Buffet
  • Complimentary race-card
  • Morning tea, coffee and biscuits
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon tea
  • Private bar
  • Dedicated service staff
  • Reserved access to betting and restroom facilities

Private Classic Box hospitality

With the Classic Box Package, 16-80 guests can enjoy balcony views of the track and indulge in a day of delicious food and dedicated staff and bar. Classic boxes are the perfect VIP experience for group celebrations and corporate events.

  • Private box with own balcony
  • Full access to the County Stand
  • Hot or cold four-course lunch
  • Complimentary race-card
  • Morning tea, coffee and biscuits
  • Lunch
  • Full afternoon tea
  • Private bar
  • Dedicated service staff and reserved access to betting and restroom facilities

Private winners box hospitality

The Winners Box Package offers a day of decadent catering including luxury afternoon tea and a three-course gourmet lunch. Enjoy the races from your private balcony or from the County Stand.

  • Private box with own balcony
  • Full access to the County Stand
  • Morning tea, coffee and biscuits
  • Gourmet hot three-course lunch
  • Luxury cheese board
  • Luxury afternoon tea and hot savouries
  • Canapes, truffles and strawberries
  • Complimentary race-card
  • Private bar and dedicated service staff
  • Reserved access to betting and restroom facilities
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Is there a dress code at Dante Festival?

Guests eating and drinking at York Racecourse hospitality
Image: Guests dressed smartly and enjoying hospitality at York Racecourse

As with most horse racing events, guests tend to dress up smartly for Dante Festival.

In the County Stand, gentlemen are required to wear a jacket, collared shirt and tie (in the event of a heatwave this can become more lenient). Short sleeved shirts, bow ties, cravats and dress shorts are also accepted.

Whilst there is no formal dress code for ladies, most choose to dress up in dresses, heels and hats.

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