[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]
The QIPCO Guineas Festival 2016 not only has high class racing on offer, there is a whole host of free activities for all the family to enjoy with children under 18 being admitted FREE.
This year, 2016, is very important for Newmarket, celebrating 350 years of making history, a landmark anniversary which highlights the evolution of the Home of Horseracing both regionally, nationally and internationally. Newmarket Racecourses are the proud hosts of the official opening ceremony for this, with this fantastic occasion taking place from 1pm in the Parade Ring on Saturday, 30th April, the first day of the two-day Festival.
The opening ceremony will include a Tandem Spitfire Flypast from nearby IWM Duxford which is being carried out as a mark of respect for racing at Newmarket through two World Wars, the opening of the official 350 Time Capsule as well as the reading of a specially commissioned poem written in honour of this key anniversary.
The kids will never be bored with the selection of on-course activities in the family enclosure including a bouncy castle and giant inflatable slide and face painting. In the Grandstand and Paddock enclosure families will also find a carousel, Helter Skelter a Coconut Shy and Rowley’s Kids Club including Newmarket’s official mascot Rowley out and about over the weekend. They will also have the chance to get up close to a real life racehorse as QIPCO British Champions Series will have the ‘Meet the Racehorse’ stable.
As well as the Spitfire Flypast, there will also be a replica Spitfire which some lucky racegoers may even get the chance to sit in. Located on the Hyperion Lawn, racegoers are urged to look to their racecards when they arrive to learn how they may be in with a chance to sit and have their photograph taken in this impressive and historic fighter aircraft.
The Waddlegoose Cyder Apres Racing stage, also located on the Hyperion Lawn, will be the location of the post racing DJ sets taking place half an hour after the last race. Radio 2’s Sara Cox will host the party on the Saturday night and another popular DJ will be announced for post racing on the Sunday. Why rush off after a fantastic day’s racing when you can dance away to some top tunes with your friends? The Waddlegoose Cyder Apres Racing stage will also host Macca throughout the afternoon on both days as well as the Newmarket Community Choir, only on the Saturday, too.
With 350 years of making history starting when King Charles II returned to Newmarket in 1666, bringing with him the Royal Court, what key Festival at Newmarket Racecourses would be complete without him? Make sure you keep an eye out for the costumed characters including King Charles II, Elizabeth Musk and Catherine of Braganza roaming the racecourse throughout both days and make sure you get your selfie with them using #weare350 #bepartofsomethingspecial!
With Newmarket being synonymous with royalty over the last 350 years, Newmarket Racecourses are proud to host Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday Exhibition showcasing a number of key images collected over her reign including her passion and love of horseracing in particular. Alongside this, the Gallop Through History exhibition, to accompany the official launch of 350 years of making history, will be unveiled at the QIPCO Guineas Festival.
Amy Starkey, Regional Director, Jockey Club Racecourses East Region, said: “The QIPCO Guineas Festival is set to be another fantastic weekend offering top class horseracing with the first two British Classic races as well as offering an array of on-course entertainment for family and friends to enjoy. 2016 marks a very special year for the town, a history and heritage we at Newmarket Racecourses are very proud to be associated with, so don’t miss out, come and celebrate this fantastic anniversary, bank holiday weekend and sporting event with us!”
Premier Enclosure tickets are now limited and racegoers are urged to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Ticket prices start from £15 if booked in advance. For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk or call 0844 579 3010.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” global_module=”22049″ saved_tabs=”all” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]
* GUIDE TO THE GUINEAS FESTIVAL 2016 – CLICK HERE *
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Karen can usually be found glued to her computer or at the stables. Having edited several national magazines she co-founded Eclipse Magazine in 2008 after realising that many of her friends were nervous about going racing due to lack of information – what to wear, how to bet etc.
She absolutely loves her job (how many people can say that?!) and is truly grateful to all supporters of and contributors to Eclipse Magazine.
If you are reading this she would like to say THANK YOU! (And please spread the word about Eclipse…!!)
