Preparations for Plate Day at Newcastle Racecourse are well underway as organisers gear up for one of the region's biggest social and sporting events. The Northumberland Plate Festival culminates next Saturday, June 27, with Plate Day expected to draw 15,000 racegoers over three days.
Behind-the-Scenes Setup
This weekend, crews have been busy erecting gazebos and bars, watering the course, and positioning tables, chairs, and picnic benches across the venue. The scale of the operation reflects the festival's popularity, with visitors expected to consume 600 barrels of beer, 2,500 bottles of prosecco, 600 pizzas, 6,000 bottles of water, 675kg of chips, 3,000 bread rolls, and 400 Aperol Trifles. Additionally, 810kg of ice will be used, some of which is reserved for the horses' water.
Festival Highlights
Plate Day follows the tradition of Ladies Day in July, with racegoers dressing in their finest attire. The festival is a key event in Newcastle's social calendar, attracting attendees from across the North East and beyond. For a full guide to the day, including race times and fashion tips, ChronicleLive's What's On reporter Barbara Hodgson has provided comprehensive coverage.
