Excitement is mounting ahead of the ‘greatest flat race in the world’ as fashion shows, traditional markets and film screenings herald the return of the world-famous Epsom Derby.

The Epsom Derby Festival Week kicks off on Friday (May 26) with models parading the perfect outfits for the races during hourly fashion shows in the Ashley Centre between 11am and 4pm.

The hourly shows will be repeated on Saturday, May 27, while models from one of the shopping centre’s chosen charities, The Sunnybank Trust, will feature in special shows at midday and 1pm, while tapas restaurant El Patio serve up mouth-watering tasters.

From May: The Derby Festival is set to get much bigger with double the space for families in Hillside Enclosure at Epsom Downs racecourse

The tradition of a Sunday market before the Derby continues as What’s on in Epsom host a market with a variety of stalls and entertainment in the Market Place between 10am and 4pm on Sunday, May 28.

Later that evening, at 6pm historians from Bourne Hall Museum will be leading a Derby History Walk around the town. But if you miss the ever-popular walk, there will be a second chance to learn about the history of the Derby at the same time on Wednesday, May 31.

The Ashley Centre will be hosting free children activities from Monday, May 29 until Wednesday, May 31 from 10.30am to 4.30pm, culminating with the grand finale – the horse simulator race – taking place on Thursday, June 1.

A free screening of the classic 1952 film starring Anna Neagle and Michael Wilding, Derby Day, will take place at the Epsom Playhouse at 2pm on Wednesday, May 31, and will include a collection for the mayor’s charities, the Sunnybank Trust, the Lower Mole Valley Trust and Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell.

The film will be preceded by a short talk by David Brooks of Bourne Hall Museum.

And on Thursday, June 1 there will be a party in the Market Place from 5pm with a free concert featuring local acts, interviews, face painting and lots more all in aid of the mayor’s charities.

The Epsom Derbykicks off with Ladies’ Day on Friday, June 2, before the main Derby race on Saturday, June 3.

For more information, and to buy tickets, visit epsomderby.co.uk