From 22nd June until 5th July 2009, thousands of tennis fans will head to Wimbledon’s All England Lawn Tennis Club to watch the likes of Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer and Roger Federer battle it out to win what is considered the most important of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Strawberries and cream anyone?

The history: In 1868, ‘The All England Croquet Club’ opened in Wimbledon, but it wasn’t until 1875 that the game of lawn tennis was added to the clubs activities and it was renamed ‘The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club’. In 1877 the club held its first Gentleman’s Singles, which was watched by about 200 people, who had paid a shilling each. Since then, the tournament has grown in popularity and is now televised by around 129 channels worldwide.

What to wear: Wimbledon is steeped in tradition so wearing anything too garish is a big no-no. Avoid shorts and logo t-shirts; remember you’re a gentleman. Instead, a relaxed casual shirt, navy unstructured jacket and light coloured chinos or linen trousers provide the right level of smart-casual, without making you stand out too much. Add some brown leather semi-brogues to finish off the ensemble. And the number one Wimbledon accessory is an umbrella – unless you’ve bagged yourself tickets for Centre Court, which has a new retractable roof this year. Hurrah!

The test cricket series between England and Australia is played alternately between the two countries on a biannual basis. This year the series begins on 24th June in England and comprises of five test matches. It is notorious for attracting rivalry between the two nations, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to act like a gentleman.

The history: ‘The Ashes’ is named after an obituary in ‘The Sporting Times’ which claimed that cricket had died and its ashes were taken away after Australia beat England on an English ground for the first time in 1882. The Ashes urn itself permanently resides in Marylebone Cricket Club Museum, and is said to contain the ashes of a cricket ball.

What to wear: It could be a long day, so start with a fresh linen shirt to keep the pesky heat at bay. Take a cotton unstructured jacket in case there’s a chill in the air and complete the look with a pair of cotton flat front chinos and brown leather brogues. Cool, fresh and relaxed.

This rowing event takes place for five days over the first weekend of July on the River Thames, near Henley–on–Thames. The races take place over 1 mile 550 yards and regularly attract international teams.

The history: The first regatta took place over one day in 1839 and was so popular, it was expanded to a number of days over the next few years. Originally it was only open to amateur rowers, but after years of controversy, it is now open to all.

What to wear: Henley Royal Regatta is the perfect opportunity to show off in a striped linen boating jacket, which is relaxed–yet–smart enough to show you’ve made an effort. Keep everything else simple – a white shirt and stone chinos matched brown calf leather co–respondent shoes will look suitably dashing.

The annual Glyndebourne Festival Opera in East Sussex is named after the 700-year old country house whose grounds it is held in. Over the years the festival has seen productions of Mozart’s and Handel’s operas, George Gershwin’s ‘Porgy and Bess’ and performances by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. This year the festival consists of five events which take place from 12th May to 21st August.

The history: The first festival took place in 1934 and – apart from in 1993 when the theatre was being renovated – has been held every year since. Visitors not only listen the music, they can enjoy picnics on the extensive grounds, or a spot of lunch in the restaurants.

What to wear: Black tie is customary for the Glyndebourne Festival, therefore nothing less than a black dinner jacket, matching black trousers, white wing-collar shirt, black socks, black silk bow tie and polished black patent leather shoes should be worn. Cummerbund and waistcoat are optional (but wearing them together is a big no-no).

Many a sartorial dilemma has been caused by the question of what to wear for a summer wedding. You don’t want to spend an uncomfortable day perspiring in heavy fabrics and dark colours, so avoid these like the plague. Instead, opt for a fresh linen suit or cotton suit in light colours like stone, blue or light grey. Take a tie just in case; you can always remove it later if you feel overdressed.