Ladies' Day, on the third day of Royal Ascot, is one of the biggest events on the British fashion calendar, with many women donning daring millinery and flamboyant dresses.

Despite a strict dress code - with strapless dresses banned and the wearing of hats enforced - bold prints and candy floss colours were the order of the day for women in attendance yesterday.

The five-day meeting is one of the highlights of the horse racing calendar. Horse racing has been held at the famous Berkshire course since 1711, and tradition is a hallmark of the meeting. Top hats and tails remain compulsory in parts of the course, while a daily procession of horse-drawn carriages takes the Queen to the course.