Martin Parr on the season
Martin Parr1/11The Westchester Cup, Berkshire
'This is polo's oldest trophy and attracts a mix of serious sport enthusiasts and socialites - even the Prince of Wales was there.'
Martin Parr2/11The Royal Caledonian Ball, London
‘I had never seen so much of Scotland outside Scotland before. This really was all about the dancing and, amazingly, everyone knew where they were meant to be, although things did get a bit more erratic after midnight.’
Martin Parr3/11Badminton Horse Trials, Gloucestershire
‘This was as much a parade of dogs as a parade of horses. A dog was de rigueur. Badminton is all about the British and their animals.’
Martin Parr4/11Chelsea Flower Show, London
‘The smell in the main tent was astonishing and the place was mobbed, with everyone madly sniffing. It was one big sniff.’
Martin Parr5/11Hay Festival, Powys
‘The book festival attracts a more literate crowd, one that actually still reads newspapers. And there is always time for a spot of knitting while waiting for the next talk.’
Martin Parr6/11Beaufort polo, Gloucestershire
‘I get very excited when it starts to rain – it brings out the best in the British. We will not be defeated by the rain. This is what this picture is all about.’
Martin Parr7/11The Cartier Queen’s Cup, Berkshire
‘I became a little obsessed with these Russian ladies having a cappuccino in the drinks tent at 11.30am. They were pretty much the only people there. It was very different by 1pm.’
Martin Parr8/11Royal Ascot, Berkshire
‘Ladies Day is all about the hats – they become so much part of the scenery that you are surprised when someone isn’t wearing one. And the first bet of the day? The colour of the Queen’s hat.’
Martin Parr9/11Henley Royal Regatta, Oxfordshire
‘This is the most authentic event of the season. It is not al all commercial – people aren’t here to socialise, they are here for the rowing. It was full of fabulous British characters and stripy blazers.’
Martin Parr10/11Veuve Cliquot Gold Cup, West Sussex
‘Young socialites and handsome boys in dirty jeans just off the polo field – this really is all about flirting.’
Martin Parr11/11Glorious Goodwood
‘This is where the old money in Sussex comes out to play, and there is a lot of old money in Sussex. There are families who have been picnicking in the same spot at Goodwood for generations.’
