Excitement is mounting ahead of the world’s greatest flat race, the Epsom Derby, and the borough will be celebrating with a series of entertainment for all the family this half-term.

Surrey Comet:

The Investec Epsom Derby runs on Saturday, June 4, with Ladies’ Day taking place on Friday, June 3.

From May: 16 things you need to know about The Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse for 2016

From 2014: Top 10 most memorable moments at the Epsom Derby

Ahead of the race at Epsom Racecourse there will be children’s crafts activities, fashion shows, a traditional Derby market, a pantomime horse race, live music, derby walks, treasure hunts and a shop window competition taking place across the borough.

From April: Vogue Williams will judge Epsom's Ladies Day at the Derby Festival

Hourly fashion shows will run on the hour between 11am and 4pm on Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28 outside the House of Fraser in the Ashley Centre in Epsom.

There will also be big art floor fun, a dress-up parlour, a Derby hat making competition with wooden trophies for the winners, and a bonanza of bunting in the Ashley Centre between Monday, May 30 and Friday, June 3.

The traditional Derby market will return to Epsom Marketplace from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, May 29. The market – run by What’s on in Epsom – will feature nearly 40 stalls, as well as buskers and children’s rides.

On Monday, May 30, children’s rides, live music performed by Realistic Music Academy, and the Pantomime Horse Derby will come to the Market Place as part of the Mayor’s Charity Fun Day between 12pm and 5pm. The final of the panto Derby is at 4.30pm.

David Brooks, an historian at Bourne Hall Museum in Spring Street, Ewell, will be holding three Derby history walks around Epsom at 2pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday, June 1 and at 7.30pm on Thursday, June 2. Mr Brooks advises that booking is essential.

Children can win prizes from Epsom Downs Racecourse, KidZania, and Hobbledown by following the clues around town and spotting decorated horses between Friday, May 27 and Saturday, June 4. Entry forms are available from Hatty’s Sweet Shop in the Ashley Centre, and So Lippy in Upper High Street.

While you’re out enjoying the sights and sounds of the Derby Festival, keep an eye out for Epsom shops which are competing for prizes from the racecourse by decorating their shopfronts.