Ascot Racecourse has announced BRIT Award-winning singer Ella Eyre as the headline performer for the 2026 King George Weekend, one of the biggest fixtures in the British horse racing calendar.
Taking place on Friday 24 July and Saturday 25 July 2026, the prestigious event will see some of the world’s best middle-distance racehorses compete at Berkshire’s iconic racecourse, while racegoers enjoy a packed programme of sport, fashion, hospitality and live entertainment.
The highlight of this year’s racing action will be the return of Calandagan, the reigning champion and 2025 Longines World’s Best Racehorse, who will attempt to defend his King George title and cement his place among the sport’s modern greats.
A Historic Weekend of Racing at Ascot
Widely regarded as Europe’s premier midsummer middle-distance contest, the King George has produced some of racing’s most memorable champions over the past 76 runnings.
Legendary winners including Enable, Mill Reef, Brigadier Gerard, Nijinsky, Shergar and Queen Elizabeth II’s Aureole have all etched their names into the event’s history. Racing fans will also remember the famous 1975 showdown between Grundy and Bustino, often referred to as the “Race of the Century”.
This summer, attention turns to Calandagan as he seeks to join that elite list of champions in front of thousands of spectators at Ascot Racecourse.
Ella Eyre to Perform Live After Racing
Away from the track, King George Weekend promises a festival-style atmosphere with premium hospitality, summer fashion and live entertainment.
Saturday’s celebrations will culminate in a headline performance from Ella Eyre, the chart-topping singer-songwriter best known for her collaboration with Rudimental on the UK number-one hit Waiting All Night, which won the BRIT Award for British Single of the Year. Eyre has also enjoyed success with tracks including Gravity alongside DJ Fresh and several solo chart hits.
Her performance is expected to provide the perfect finale to one of Ascot’s biggest social events of the summer.
Sport, Style and Summer Celebrations
King George Weekend has become known for combining world-class horse racing with a quintessential British summer garden party atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy Ascot’s picturesque grounds, stylish bars, restaurants and hospitality experiences while watching some of the finest thoroughbreds in the world compete for one of racing’s most prestigious prizes.
With racing, fashion, dining and live music all on offer, the event continues to attract both dedicated racing fans and those looking for a standout summer day out.
Ticket Information
Adult tickets start from £20 on Friday and £35 on Saturday, with free admission available for children under 18 when accompanied by a paying adult.
A variety of hospitality packages are also available, ranging from casual dining experiences to premium options at Ascot’s award-winning On5 restaurant.
For full event details, hospitality packages and ticket bookings, visit the official King George Weekend page.
