On Thursday 18 June 2026, the British Chamber of Commerce in Laos held its fourth consecutive Ascot Races ‘Ladies’ Day’ event at the Souphattra Hotel in Vientiane. It was a great success with nearly a hundred guests participating in this quintessential British event. Ladies had the opportunity to dress in their finery, wearing either broad-rimmed hats or fascinators, thus emulating the tradition of those attending the live races near to Windsor Castle, just west of London. This was a record year for this annual BCCL event. An estimated 80% of lady guests wore hats and the number of men’s top hats doubled last year’s count.
Such growing popularity was a tribute to the effort put in by Partnership & Events Manager, Seng Xayphrakassa, and the working group of Board members and others who assisted her. Former BCCL Chair, Wayne McIntosh, on a rare visit to Vientiane, served as Master of Ceremonies in his usual inimitable style and sartorial elegance.
Grateful thanks are due to all the Event Sponsors—Isuzu, Suzuki, Heathfield School, Panyathip British International School, Ministry of Silk, Ban Keo Restaurant, Hats and Handicrafts—who made the event possible. The event began with a fashion show featuring dresses by Ministry of Silk, and hats by Ban Keo Millinery which created many of the hats on display. Event partners for the night were Crowne Plaza Hotel, Beerlao and Magnum and others who donated prizes.
At the event our guest of honour was Her Excellency, the British Ambassador to Laos, Mel Barlow and her husband Mark. It was a privilege for John Cockcroft, Acting Deputy and Past Chair of BCCL, to welcome them both to what will be one of their last functions in Laos, as the Ambassador is in the final months of her term of office.
After the fashion show, the event featured a live television feed of four horse races screened from Ascot, culminating in the ‘Gold Cup’ presented by H.M. King Charles. We thank all our many sponsors including those who provided prizes for guests who chose winning racehorses. Additionally, the event featured a charity auction of ladies’ hats to benefit the Lao Disabled Women Development Centre. It also included competitions for best dressed guests and a traditional British party game where guests compete to pin the tail on the horse while blindfolded. The number of guests who stay until the finale, the race for the Gold Cup, measures the event’s popularity. This year was undoubtedly a record year for this popular BCCL event.
More photos available on Facebook here and here or check out our video highlights!