There's huge excitement in Newcastle as the city gears up for its showcase Ladies Day this Saturday and, while the weather can never be a sure bet, one dead cert is that the day of sporting and social action will prove an all-out winner.
The annual day out which sees thousands of racegoers dress to impress in an array of colourful outfits and glamorous hats is back with lots of fresh additions this year. With a new sponsorship deal in place, the event at Newcastle Racecourse - where it follows on from the success of June's Plate Day - this year includes extra attractions such as dining pods and pop-up bars.
Rosie Ramsey - one half of much loved podcast Sh*gged, Married, Annoyed which she hosts with her comedian husband Chris - will be adding to the fun with a post-racing karaoke then extending the entertainment into the evening will be an after-party at Aveika on Newcastle Quayside.
Read more: Ladies Day to introduce dining pods and pop-up bars
This year's Ladies Day, July 23, happens to be the same day as Pride so Newcastle will be absolutely buzzing this weekend. We're bringing regular updates to the weather forecast in this guide, so watch this space.
Here is everything you need to know about Ladies Day, including timings, entertainment and ticket links.
Guide to Ladies Day 2022
Ladies Day takes place at Newcastle Racecourse, at High Gosforth Park, this Saturday, July 23. The day's races include a Silk Series race which is exclusively contested by female jockeys.
Ladies Day timings
Gates open: 11am
First race: 1pm
Last race: 4.30pm
Entertainment
South Shields presenter, actor, author and podcaster Rosie Ramsey is teaming up with event company Massive to host Massoke - what's billed as Newcastle's biggest ever live karaoke show. This will follow the close of racing and check out ticket availability here.
Best-dressed competition
Now called the Style Competition and also open to men, this is always a highlight of Ladies Day and sees Tyne Tees Models scouts mingle with the crowds on the racecourse to encourage those in stand-out outfits to enter if they haven't thought to do so already. Those wanting to enter can head to the TTM stand in the Grandstand Hall on their arrival and have their picture taken. Finalists later congregate in the Parade Ring for final judging.
Prizes are always amazing and go to the runner-up and top 10 finalists too. In previous years they have included the likes of flights to Europe for the winner. Here is the full list of this year's prizes which will go to a top 10 finalists.
What's new for 2022
A sponsorship deal with Gainford Group, which runs bar-restaurants and hotels across Newcastle as well as care homes, brings new dining pods and pop-up bars to Newcastle Racecourse this year. Read all about those here.
Tickets
A wide range of ticket options include the likes of a £40 Hudson general entry ticket. There are hospitality packages too and include Gainford Pods in the Park for a whopping £2,400. This includes gourmet food platters inside a luxury dining pod, which can hold up to eight people, in a fenced-off VIP area within the centre of the racecourse. Also included are bar facilities, two bottles of Champagne, outdoor seating and live entertainment.
In-between options are the likes of a Livello Premier Enclosure ticket for £60 and the £153 Hamper on the Horsewalk - giving an ideal view of the runners and riders - which includes a half bottle of wine and a picnic hamper. For information about all the other ticket options and Ladies Day packages available see here.
What about prosecco prices?
The racecourse has a number of bars and food areas in addition to the new ones this year and ahead of Plate Day it gave an idea of its drink prices. Average costs are here:
Pint - £5.30
Bottle of Wine - £24
Bottle of Prosecco - £34
What will the weather be like?
The big question. The month of July does tend to embrace the kind of sunshine and showers which rounded off June and kicked off this month and in the past racegoers have needed to take along an umbrella to protect that hat. But, while forecasts can change regularly, the current predictions for this year's event are for cloudy, warm conditions and only a low risk of rain. To help with outfit preparations, we are bringing Met Office updates as soon as they are available: the latest forecast for Newcastle Racecourse is here.
What about the After Party?
The official after party will be at Quayside venue Aveika again this year. Entry will be free with your race ticket and a free shuttle bus will ferry racegoers there at the end of the day's racing. Find out more about the shuttle bus here. There are also VIP options available to book if you want to treat yourself: see here.
The city's bars also will be keen to welcome Ladies Day trade and Revolucion de Cuba is one of those hosting its own Ladies Day After Party.
Anything else to know?
In the past there have been options to take along a picnic - and this option still remains for various other race days at Gosforth Park. But here are the food and drink rules to note for Ladies Day.
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