THE 2020 SEASON GOES VIRTUAL

The Badminton Horse Trials should have ended today. Instead, we’ve been stuck at home, contemplating a summer without Ascot, a May without Chelsea, and, in all probability, not even a trip to Provence until 2021. It all seems so bleak. Except it doesn’t have to be, for the imaginative. Herewith, a guide to the socially-distant season.

Chelsea Flower Show, May 18-23

It’s not the first time the prestigious flower show has had to skip a year. Established in 1913, it also took a break during both the First and Second World Wars. This time, however, you can still attend via the internet, for the show is going digital – bringing you tours of private gardens from wellknown gardeners and florists, as well as sharing tips, ideal planting combinations and gardening trends. If you can’t wait till then, check out Houghton Hall’s Instagram account, where the Marchioness of Cholmondeley is regularly posting pictures of her Norfolk estate’s exquisite gardens.

Glyndebourne Festival, May-Aug

The good news is Glyndebourne is still on – after its own fashion. So, just as Italy was soothed when tenor Maurizio Marchini serenaded Florence from his balcony and soprano Laura Baldassari sang from her window in Milan, we too shall still have opera, albeit in the form of a virtual festival.

Every Sunday at 5pm, a full-length opera will be streamed online, for free. Whether you choose to listen dressed in your silk Olivia von Halle pyjamas, or to slip into something more formal, is your own prerogative.

Royal Ascot, June 16-20

The horses are still running, even if from behind closed doors. And you can still have a flutter! Particularly with the money you got back with your IRL Ascot ticket refund. But of course, it’s not just about the gee-gees. Fitzdares, the gentleman’s bookmaker, is working with outfitter Oliver Brown, so its exclusive clientele can still hire silk toppers and get dressed up for readymade cocktails and picnics, home-delivered by mixologists at Chapel Down. Make sure they’re indulged from the boot of your car, as if in the Royal Enclosure’s car park.

Wimbledon, June 29-July 12

“No tents will be pitched, no records broken, no trophies engraved,” intones Roger Federer on Wimbledon’s 2020 video, “for now we play suspended.” As is tennis in general – the Hurlingham has closed its doors, as has Queens, and playing in the local park is a big no-no. But for those who have their own court... well, the only acceptable thing to do is to pop on your tennis whites and have your own household tournament. For those without, you can still delight in old match points – Wimbledon is replaying some of the greatest matches of all time, online.

Henley Royal Regatta, July 1-5

Now listen, let’s be honest, no one really watches the races at Henley, do they? It’s about the picnic and the plonk, and a jolly day out by the water. All of which can still be achieved, it’ll just be more of a jolly day in. If you’re keen to throw a little authenticity into the mix, hold your celebrations (paddling) poolside.

Glastonbury et al, June-July

Not officially part of the traditional British season, but very much a permanent fixture in the modern social calendar. Those who had managed to snaffle Glasto tickets this year will be allowed to use them in 2021. Or indeed tune into Annabel Simpson, aka Festibel’s online bash Glastayinbury – hosted from her Notting Hill rooftop, she’ll be raising money for the NHS, while Glastonbury stages (Love Bullets and Orca Sound Project) will be providing the music. And, literally no one will miss the portaloos. Tibbs Jenkins