Heels, hats and a mass of sharp suits will be making an appearance when Geordies turn out for one of the highlights of the year - the Northumberland Plate Day Festival.
The huge sporting event will begin at Gosforth Park on Thursday, June 29 with the main event - Plate Day - taking place on Saturday, July 1 and that's when the crowds really dress to impress. Plate Day is the finale of the three-day Northumberland Plate Festival which includes, besides the racing action, some cracking end-of-day music entertainment.
On the Friday there will be a 90s night with a live DJ set with Vernon Kay to wrap up the day. Then on Plate Day itself it will be singer-songwriter Tom Grennan who takes to the stage after the last race.
Read more: Plate Day timings for races and Tom Grennan's performance
Those heading to Newcastle Racecourse over the June 29-July 1 festival will need to be aware there are a few rules in place regarding food and drink. While there is an option - for certain events and for holders of a certain ticket - to take along a picnic, to be enjoyed in a specified Picnic Enclosure in the Grandstand, this is not the case for all racedays. This year there are new hospitality options available for Plate Day too so here is the information - and other regulations - to note.
Can you take in food?
Picnics are sometimes allowed in the racecourse's designated picnic area - although drinks are not allowed and the ban applies to soft drinks as well as alcohol. BBQs are not allowed either.
There are no ticket options available for the racecourse Picnic Enclosure for Plate Day but racegoers will find plenty of outlets available where a variety of food and drink can be bought. There are new hospitality options available this Plate Day so check out some ideas below.
Bag searches may be in operation upon entry to the racecourse.
Can you take in alcohol?
No. It is strictly forbidden to take alcohol onto the racecourse so any will be confiscated by security staff upon arrival. Alcohol can be bought at a number of on-site bars available in all enclosures.
MFB Stand Bar - formerly called Colonel Porter's Bar, this bar in the Premiere Enclosure serves food and drink
Blaydon Bar - in the Grandstand Enclosure, this serves beer, wine and spirits
Eider Bar - named in honour of the famous jumps, this bar is also in the Grandstand Enclosure
Craft Corner - also within the Grandstand Enclosure is this beery treat offfering an array of guest ales
Themed pop-up bars also will be around the enclosures and look out for the likes of a Pommery Champagne Trailer and Pimm's Tent. And the popular Border Minstrel pub is also on-site.
Open seven days a week, the pub welcomes familes and is also dog friendly. Those interested in local racing history might like to know it is named after the winner of the 1927 Pitmen’s Derby - the original local name for the Northumberland Plate - at Newcastle Racecourse.
What are the ticket options?
The most popular ticket options include the Grandstand Advance and there are good discounts to be made if you book online in advance.
Grandstand Advance - £42.40
This general entry ticket allows access to all the action on and off-track and views of the racing and Parade Ring plus bars, eateries and places to bet. This also includes seeing Tom Grennan live after racing.
Multi-day Grandstand - £45.50
Up to 35% can be saved booking in advance for all three days of the Northumberland Plate Festival in the grandstand enclosure. This ticket includes access as above, including the Plate Day Tom Grennan entertainment.
Premiere - £62.50
This allows access to the premium areas on the course, best bars and best views of the racing and again includes Tom Grennan. This ticket, which will be sent via email, also includes:
Premier entry to the racecourse
Best views of the racing from the Grandstand opposite the finishing post
Access to exclusive Premier areas of the racecourse with the best facilities and bars
To book tickets for Plate Day see here.
Is hospitality available?
Yes and there are upmarket dining options for Plate Day if you're looking to treat yourself. To book any of the below see here.
Party in the Park - £120
Said to be selling fast, this allows racegoers to watch the racing action from the centre of the course overlooking the final home stretch. There will be live music, exclusive views of the racecourse and a saxophonist between the races. There will be convenient street food and bar locations and a range of seating options including a stretch tent covered area.
Plate Day Lounge - £219
This new package for 2023 offers a chance to enjoy a casual hospitality experience within the Gainford hospitality marquee, with inclusive beers, ciders, house wines and soft drinks, a 'grazing bowl food lunch' while making a pick from the race card. Casual seating is available throughout the marquee and garden.
POD in the park
VIP luxury dining pods - which take a maximum of eight people - made a debut at Ladies Day last year inviting racrgoers to enjoy a private white picket fence garden and outdoor seating in the centre of the course along with two bottles of Champagne. This year's pods have already sold out.
Harchibald Marquee - £301
Hosted in The Gainford Hospitality Marquee Village, this package will include a table for the day - parties of fewer than 10 will be on a shared table) - and besides covering admission there will be a reception drink; a four-course lunch, afternoon tea, fully inclusive drinks (excluding Champagne) and a race-day programme. The marquee however is classed as "a non-viewing facility". There is limited availability.
Private Box - £345
Offering a panoramic view of the racecourse and bird's eye view of the winning post, exclusive use of a box - which can accommodate up to 14 people - includes a hospitality admission badge; three-course lunch and afternoon tea along with a race card and host for the day.
Grand Buffet, Gosforth Park Suite - £380
Art a private table, guests can enjoy a three-course grande buffet, afternoon tea, an inclusive bar and hot drinks along in their hospitality entry ticket plus convenient Tote betting facilities and access to all public areas.
The 1882 Restaurant - £480
Within the centre of the course, overlooking the action, this restaurant inside a marquee is another new addition for 2023, named in honour of the year the Northumberland Plate first took place. Guests will have their own private garden, an 'indulgent selection' of food and drink to choose from. It includes:
Hospitality admission
Champagne reception
Four-course a la carte lunch
Luxury afternoon tea
Fully inclusive bar with house Champagne
Race card
Private table for the day
Casual dining
Racegoers will also find plenty other options, with food outlets and bars around the Grandstand and Premier Enclosures. There also weill be confectionery and snacks are available from the sweet shop in the Grandstand Enclosure. For full information about Plate Day see here.
