- Play Hard
- 8th Jun 2024
- 0
- 4 minutes
Madness, Hacienda Classical and unmissable racing – Northumberland Plate Festival at Newcastle Racecourse
Calling all racing fans, Pimm’s lovers and fashionistas, the biggest event in the North East racing calendar, Northumberland Plate Festival is back.
This year’s Northumberland Plate Festival is all set to dazzle with three days packed full of racing, fashion and entertainment.
Whether you’re there for the thrilling races, the glamorous outfits or just to have a great time, Plate Festival at Newcastle Racecourse has it all.
Oh, and did we mention that Newcastle Racecourse has teamed up with Café Mercy to introduce an exclusive Northumberland Plate Festival cocktail this year?
The 1882 Cobbler cocktail is a delicious blend of Lillet Blanc, elderflower, fresh pineapple, honey, strawberry, and cucumber – the perfect drink for summer. It will be available for a limited time until the end of June.
Here’s what to expect at this year’s spectacular event…
HLN TOP TIP: Enter our competition to win four tickets for Madness Live After Racing tickets here.
A BIT OF NORTHUMBERLAND PLATE FESTIVAL HISTORY
First off, here are some of Plate Festival’s pastime details. Established way back in 1833, the racing event found its home at Newcastle’s Gosforth Park in 1882. Known originally as the ‘Pitmen’s Derby’ it was the highlight of Race Week a holiday period for local mine workers. Today, it’s the North East’s equivalent of Royal Ascot but with a much more relaxed and friendly vibe.
DAY 1: SEATON DELAVAL TROPHY DAY
Thursday 27th June 2024
Gates open: 11:45pm
The festival kicks off with Seaton Delaval Trophy Day. The highlight is the Seaton Delaval Handicap Stakes, a prestigious Class 2 race. Named after a local village and a horse that won the Plate in 1893, this race sets the tone for the exciting festival.
Want to make your day extra special? Upgrade to Newcastle Racecourse’s track-facing restaurant for a hospitality experience like no other. Enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks with an unbeatable view of the action.
DAY 2: GOSFORTH PARK CUP NIGHT FT. MADNESS LIVE AFTER RACING
Friday 28th June 2024
Gates open: 2:21pm
Kickstart your weekend with the perfect summer evening event. Day 2 of the festival features Madness Live after Racing. Following the success of their No. 1 album C’est La Vie, the iconic ska band will have you dancing the night away.
The evening promises some top-notch racing, including the lightning-fast Gosforth Park Cup and the Group 3 Hoppings Stakes for top-class fillies. After the races, Madness will take the stage, bringing their best ska hits to life.
HLN TOP TIP: Plus, Madness have a Theatre of the Absurd fancy dress theme, so come in your most outrageous outfits (baggy trousers encouraged) for a chance to win prizes.
DAY 3: NORTHUMBERLAND PLATE DAY FT. HACIENDA CLASSICAL
Saturday 29th June 2024
Gates open: 11:50pm
The grand finale is here. Northumberland Plate Day is the crown jewel of the festival, featuring the JenningsBet Northumberland Plate, a two-mile heritage handicap with a whopping prize for horse owners and trainers that’s the richest of its kind in Europe. Also on the card is the Chipchase Stakes, a thrilling Group 3 sprint.
But wait, there’s more. After the races, Hacienda Classical will perform live, featuring DJ Graeme Park and the Manchester Camerata Orchestra. Get ready to dance to your favourite club classics in one unforgettable set.
THE OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY
Keep the party going at Aveika and Livello on the quayside. There will be free shuttle buses from the racecourse, and entry is free with your race day ticket and dance the night away.
MORE THAN JUST RACING
There is plenty of delicious food and drink to keep you fuelled. Sip on refreshing Pimm’s, prosecco or champagne and indulge in plenty of summer food options. Level up your racing experience with a luxurious hospitality package.
VISIT NEWCASTLE RACECOURSE’S WEBSITE
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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