Jockey Club summer events

The Jockey Club Plans Summer of Family Fun across the country

With the summer holidays here it can be a struggle to find fun and exciting ways to keep the kids entertained. Jockey Club Racecourses has come to the rescue with a number of family events organised across the country during this summer's top race meetings, for the whole family to enjoy.

North West

For families in the North West who fancy a trip to the seaside, Haydock Park Racecourse is hosting a day at the beach on Thursday 4th August. The day is free for all children under 17 and will include a sandy beach setting alongside Punch & Judy shows, donkey rides and bouncy castles. There's also plenty on offer for the adults, with a fantastic day of some of the country's best races taking place.

If a day at the seaside isn't for your family, then Carlisle Racecourse will be hosting a fascinating history family day on August 17th. Children can have lots of fun learning about Cumbria's Roman roots, including nearby Hadrian's Wall, during an afternoon race meeting. At the same time, rides and stalls, including Punch & Judy, a climbing wall and face painting will be available to keep everyone entertained.

South East

Those families in the South East that wish to make their summer that extra bit special, Newmarket, Sandown Park, Epsom Downs and Huntingdon racecourses all have something to offer during this summer's racing dates, including free entry for all children under 18. The annual Variety Club Day on 20th August is being hosted by Sandown Park, which will include complimentary entertainment and activities galore, including four fantastic children's authors. For an extra special treat, famous theatre puppet War Horse will come to life on the course, an experience not to be missed!

Epsom Downs will once again be opening their gates for the popular bank holiday family fun day on the 29th August. Entertainment at the annual day will include a parade of ex-horses, pony rides, Shetland Pony Derby, a petting zoo and the opportunity for children to meet jockeys firsthand and quiz them on what it's like to cross the finishing line. Huntingdon racecourse will also be hosting their family day during the bank holiday weekend, with lots of fun packed entertainment for the whole family.

Families in the South East are spoilt for choice this year, with family-friendly ‘Summer Saturdays' running at Newmarket racecourse until the 13th August. The Saturday events will see a host of children's entertainment, ranging from Punch & Judy shows, giant inflatable bouncy castles, face painting, a behind the scenes racing experience and the opportunity to meet a retired racehorse. The family days are educational as well as entertaining and each event has a unique theme to inspire kids to get creative this summer!

North East

Families in the North East won't be missing out on all the entertainment, with the opportunity to see the Royal Air Force in action during the RAF Benevolent Fund family day at Market Rasen racecourse, with lots of children's entertainments and attractions on offer and free entry for all children under 18, including a not to be missed flyover before the races.

Midlands

Nottingham Racecourse will also be providing fun filled events for families around the Midlands, with a magical circus day on the 28th July and a family day on the 17th August. Both events will be sure to keep the kids entertained for hours with various children's attractions and stalls, so adults can enjoy a well deserved day of top racing.

Paul Fisher, Managing Director of Jockey Club Racecourses, said: "We're delighted to be hosting a great summer of fun for all the family to enjoy, with lots of activities over and above the high-class racing our courses have to offer. Not many places offer something for all the family and as under 18s go free, it's fantastic value."