Top sporting fixtures

Fast, fun and always entertaining, take in the major sporting events of our time.

FA Cup Final: The year’s most exciting clash, The Football Association Challenge Cup is the annual knockout football competition, featuring teams from all levels of competition. First played during the 1871–72 season, it is the oldest national football competition in the world. Taking place on 18 May, watch the climax of English football’s biggest competition at London’s Wembley Stadium, or live on TV from any pub across the country. In 2018, Chelsea took home the trophy after defeating Manchester United by one goal to nil. Who will triumph this time around?

Roland Garros French Open: A tournament that stands out on the international sporting calendar, it also remains an important part of its home-country heritage, having begun in France over 126 years ago. This world-class tennis tournament is held across two weeks from 26 May to 9 June in the famed venue named after the French aviator Roland Garros. One of the tours toughest tournaments, it has eluded plenty of the game’s biggest names, including Bill Tilden, Maria Bueno, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Pete Sampras, Martina Hingis and Venus Williams. And this year, the 2019 edition is focused not only on the sport, but also on highlighting the importance of nature and biodiversity inside the stadium grounds. Because going to Roland Garros is a bit like going for a stroll in the country.

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este: The epitome of opulence and grandeur, the show at the Villa d’Este ranks among the most impressive automotive events in the world. Located on the shores of Lake Como, the careening Italian landscape provides the perfect backdrop to showcase the world’s most luxurious cars. First held on 1 September 1929, the international Concours d’élégance for motor cars began as a partnership between the Automobile Club of Como, the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and the Comitato di Cura di Como. Following on from last year’s theme of Hollywood on the Lake, this year’s guiding motto is A Symphony of Engines. Each year, more than 50 of the world’s most beautiful classics from the 1920s to the early 1980s, as well as around a dozen of the latest concept cars and prototypes, rev the hearts of those in attendance. Taking place 24-27 May, it’s both a private judged event and a public spectacle. This year, visitors can make their way to the historical grounds of Villa Erba on the Saturday and Sunday.

Run to Monaco: A blend of adventure, luxury and sport, the Run to Monaco is the most refined supercar event in the world. Taking place 21-27 May, in addition to the striking scenery, food, accommodation and entertainment, the journey gives participants the opportunity to learn more about the art of racing. Each year, the finest supercars will careen across handpicked routes; it’s no surprise this has become one of the most coveted events on the international social circuit. This May’s itinerary begins in the Spanish Basque Country, criss-crossing the Pyrenees Mountains, and ends on the cerulean shores of the Cote D’Azur. The experience includes spectacular evening events – from acrobats to world-class magicians in dramatic surrounds, as well as stays at exceptional award-winning hotels. And throughout, the dedicated concierge team can arrange anything from petrol deliveries up a remote mountain to a last-minute jaunt on a helicopter or private jet.