The famed Grand National kicks off tomorrow, with people able to attend in person for the first time in two years following the outbreak of coronavirus.
The pandemic put a halt to a number of beloved events and the Grand National was no different. It was cancelled in 2020 while last year's festivities were shown on television, with fans tuning in to catch the action from the comfort of their own homes.
This year's event marks the first time crowds can gather at the racecourse since 2019. It's taking place from tomorrow, Thursday, April 7 to Saturday, April 9. As with previous Grand National weekends, both organisers and ticket holders are going above and beyond to ensure a great weekend is had by all.
READ MORE: Grand National 2022: Merseytravel issues advice to racegoers
The Grand National takes place at Aintree Racecourse. The venue is easily accessible via rail, with Aintree Station located opposite the racecourse - regular trains run every 15 minutes on race days.
Aintree Racecourse is located on the A59, one mile from the M57 and M58, which link the M62 and M6. Road closures are usually implemented over the course of the festivities but this year, Liverpool City Council has confirmed it will be suspending road works and road closures in key areas for the duration of the event to help people get to and from the venue.
There are still a number of road closures in place in other areas, though. Sefton Council is working with Merseyside Police, Merseytravel and several other partners, with the council’s traffic management team helping coaches, cars, limousines and horse boxes get where they need to be on time.
A number of diversions and traffic management measures will be in place throughout the festival's three days - Thursday, April 7 - Saturday, April 9 - including temporary closures:
- Residents who are not attending the festival are advised to avoid the A59 Ormskirk Road from Switch Island through to the Black Bull junction.
- Ormskirk Road, as well as Park Lane between Bridle Road and Ormskirk Road, will be closed between 4pm and 9pm on all three festival days. Heavy traffic is expected on the A59 from 10am - 2pm.
- During the closure, traffic will be diverted via Switch Island, Dunnings Bridge Road, Netherton Way and Southport Road.
A spokesman for Sefton Council said: "We are delighted to see the return of a public Aintree Festival after being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The weekend brings thousands of racegoers, tourists and visitors to our beautiful borough and once again all eyes will be on Sefton as the home of incredible international events.
"We are working closely with partners to help keep the borough moving during the festival and to keep disruption to a minimum. People wishing to attend the race meeting itself are encouraged to use the Merseyrail network and alight at Aintree station.
"After racing finishes on both Friday and Saturday buses will be operating from Park Lane into Liverpool City Centre and we would ask visitors who are in the region for a number of days to try and explore our wonderful borough even further."
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