Save the date: Make an event of spotting a billionaire

In the cycle of seasons, the great Indian summer is one that most would rather skip. The reverse is true of the European summer though. It is much looked forward to, as the glamorous and exotic locales of the Continent become the playground of the rich and beautiful. Head to these events, for your shot at running into a billionaire or two.

Venice Biennale / documenta 14 Dates: May 13 - November 26 / June 10 - September 17
Europe is today the go-to destination for some of the biggest global contemporary art events. The Venice Biennale (that takes place once in two years) in Italy and documenta (once in five years) in Kassel, Germany are two major events in the calendar of every wealthy art collector this summer. documenta’s 14th edition has an offshoot in Athens, Greece, this year, warranting an extra flight for that expensive private jet. The events are critical as they form a global consensus about which artist is hot and which one is not, aka whose work will in future command astronomical prices.


Sajjan and Sangita Jindal are frequent visitors at the Biennale. (Image: Twitter/SajjanJindal)

Spot the super rich While those collecting, curating and creating the artworks for these art fests may constitute the elite, these events are just as accessible to the public. The wealthy stand in queues to access exhibits the same as a regular viewer. The difference is that they retreat into their thousands of euros a night suites for a break, while the rest must settle for the comfort of their simple B&Bs.

Wimbledon Dates: July 3 - 16
There is enough action on and off the court at this annual high point for tennis fans. Stars on court, stars off court is routine, as glamour and sporting spirit intermingle. Sachin Tendulkar is a regular at Wimbledon and rarely has his presence been missed at the tournament. His presence alongside another sporting great, David Beckham, made for a nice photo op a few summers ago.
Spot the super rich Look no further than the Centre Court, or perhaps just a bit. Within Centre Court is the Royal Box, marked out for royalty and their guests. It is prestige times two. Tickets are hard to come by and cost at least a few hundred pounds.

Royal Ascot Dates: June 20 – 24
Exhilarating racing action, high fashion and pageantry are associated with this annual, oh-soEnglish event. With the Queen, as the official host, elegant and classy are words most naturally associated with the races. But that hardly puts a stop on the nonstop revelry. Spirits flow freely and entire afternoons are spent in the company of friends, under the warm, or at least as warm as the British sun deigns to be.
Spot the super rich The truly posh settle for nothing less than the Royal Enclosure, considered to be the domain of royalty once upon a time. Even now, it is a members’ only space, entry granted by invitation only. And while there, dress code guidelines must be adhered to strictly.

Tomorrowland Dates: July 21 - 30
For more than a decade, electronic music fans have been thronging to Belgium for a week of EDM fix. Some of the marquee names in the genre like David Guetta, Afrojack and Swedish House Mafia have headlined acts at the fest. Enough said.


Amit Bhatia and Vanisha Mittal are regulars at Tomorrowland. (Image: Instagram/amitbhatia100)

Spot the super richThe commoners camp beneath the stars and spend hours on their feet bobbing variously to the frenetic beats. Those who can afford it, ‘glamp’ it. Luxury stays, raised viewing platforms, away from the sweaty mass of crowds and private sessions with the artists. There is nothing that money can’t buy here.

British Grand Prix Dates: July 16
It’s considered the greatest event in British motor racing. Possibly, second only to the Monaco F1 race in the global stakes. There may be many a billionaire face in the crowd. It takes one to be able to afford a team.


Richard Branson is a racing enthusiast. (Image: AFP)

Spot the super rich Each team has its own version of VIP hospitality. Typically, it is Paddock Club access that one is seeking for the very best and very luxe experience, that not only includes great vistas of the s p o r t but ample champagne, great company and a chance to rub shoulders with the drivers. A $5,000 ticket should get you in.