The buzz is building in Newcastle as the city prepares for a sporting highlight of the year.
The three-day Northumberland Plate Festival gets under way at Newcastle Racecourse on Thursday and the highight for most is of course is Plate Day which wraps up the big event at Gosforth Park on Saturday.
That's the day - later than normal this year - that sees crowds turn out in their finery for an afternoon of racing action, wining and dining. Like Ladies Day, which will follow later in the month, it's a hugely popular event which attracts its regulars but also newcomers each year from across the region and also far beyond.
Read more: Plate Day timings and ticket guide
Racegoers tend to arrive in good time for gates opening at 10.30am and then mill around the on-site bars and food pop-ups. Then the bets will be on as the first of the afternoon races gets started at 12.30pm. By the time the last is run, the crowds are reluctant to go home and - dressed to impress - most still will be in the party mood.
The good news is that the racecourse has some cracking entertainment lined up to round off the day. Once the racing action is over - the last of the races gets under way at 4.25pm - the celebratory atmosphere and summer vibe will continue.
Chart-topping singer-songwriter Tom Grennan, fresh from Glastonbury, will be providing the post-race entertainment and he's due to take to the stage around 5pm. Note that the timing is an approximate one.
So what happens after that? Well, most Newcastle bars will be all geared up for a very busy Saturday night as crowds of race-goers always flock to the city centre, where well-dressed groups - some still wearing heels and fascinators - are a familiar sight at city hot spots.
There are also Plate Day after-parties taking place again this year and the details for these are below. For the Plate Day weather forecast see here and for detiails of food and drink rules and ticket packages see here.
Aveika
The bar-restaurant on Newcastle Quayside will be hosting the official Plate Day after-party once again and is offering free entry to those with a Plate Day ticket. It also has drinks packages available for those with premiere and diamond marquee tickets: see here.
To inquire about table reservations in its courtyard and VIP area for the party see here or call 0191 233 3732.
Livello
For those still left with plenty of stamina, this venue, just up the hill from Aveika in Lower Dean Street, also will be holding an official after-party starting at 11pm and running until 3am. Tickets for what's billed as the 'ultimate after-party' start at £6 for first release tickets but there are options going up to £50 (plus booking fees) for those wanting to make a special night of it.
General admission tickets cost £8 for second release and £10 for final release (all with a £1 booking fee to add) and the £50 VIP option comes with a £5 booking fee.
To book tickets see here. and to book a VIP Club table, from 11pm, visit online here or call 0191 233 3733.
Note: Livello also will be hosting another 'Late Night Society Special' after-party for Ladies Day on July 29, in association with Newcastle Races and Aveika. To book tickets for this see here.
