Buyer's guide to UK summer events

Polo, Grand Prix and the Proms - we love a glorious English summer. But don't be caught attending without your essential stack of accessories. We've put together a must-read guide of what's going on when - and what to take with you.

1. Grand day out

Get your heart rate racing at the English Grand Prix (6 July) held at Silverstone. Can Lewis Hamilton clinch victory on home turf? You won't miss out on the action with these lightweight Nikon travelite binoculars (£119) from John Lewis to guarantee a front row view. Vroom.

2. Fit for a king

Gardeners from all corners of the world will meet at the Hampton Court Flower Show (8-13 July), the largest of its kind.
Why not try these papaver rhoeas (£1.25) from Crocus - that's the red field poppy to us ordinary folk.

3. Horsing around

Hobnob among royals and celebrities at The Cartier Polo on 27 July. Sip champagne from lead crystal champagne flutes (£9.95 each) from The Conran Shop. The age of rivalry between England and Australia continues with the Coronation Cup, followed by dancing until dawn sponsored by Chinawhite. Simply spiffing, darling.

4. Musical picnic

Ever since 1934, the movers and shakers have flocked to opera festival Glyndebourne. Open until 3 August, don't miss this season's highlight - Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin conducted by Vladimir Jurowski. Of course the picnics are the real reason we love Glyndebourne. Go prepared with this complete picnic hamper (£65) from Cath Kidston.

5. Scottish reeling

Bring out your inner thesp at the annual Edinburgh International Festival (8 - 31 August). In between plays and musical events, wander around the historic city. Make sure you pack your NASA designed tempur travel pillow (£49.95) from Heal's for the trip which will be perfect for the long journey and during theatre visits.

6. Colourful carnival

Back in the Sixties, the Notting Hill Carnival (24-25 August) rocked and now it's Europe's biggest street party. Embrace the sights, smells and costumes among some two million revellers. Dancing is thirsty work; this V & A daisy print water bottle (£14.95)from GTC will keep you cool.

7. A midsummer's night... at the theatre

What better way to spend a summer's evening in London then going to the theatre outdoors. Watch Shakespeare's finest under the stars at The Open Air Theatre (until 3 September) in Regents Park under the starlight. Make sure you pack a rug such as this fleece picnic blanket (£25) from Heal's; to throw over your legs when the sun goes down.

8. Messing about on the river

Londoners adore a fun freebie like the Thames Festival (13 - 14 September) with it's jolly open air arts, pyrotechnics, illuminations and funky street theatre. Pull up a seat on the riverbank, like this outdoors Hemmingway director's chair (£22.19) from B & Q, and get a comfy spot from which to spy the action.

Picked out your armchair? Now check out our Buyer's guide to cushions and our Buyer's guide to sofas. Like what you read? Find out the latest trends and best bargains in our weekly newsletter.

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