It’s bold, glamorous, and absolutely buzzing. Ladies Day at Newcastle Racecourse has become more than just a day at the races — it’s a North East summer tradition. With its mix of fashion, live entertainment, thrilling racing and big crowd energy, it draws thousands every year. But how did it all begin?
In this guide, we take a look at Ladies Day Newcastle history, from its origins as a traditional race meet to the full-scale festival it is today — and how the 2025 event continues that legacy with more style, sparkle and celebration than ever.
🏇 The Early Days: When Horses Ruled the Headlines
The concept of a “Ladies Day” dates back to British racing culture in the 19th century, with tracks like Ascot encouraging women to attend specific race days and dress up for the occasion. Newcastle followed suit — quite literally — by establishing its own summer race day aimed at bringing more social energy to the sport.
Held at Gosforth Park, Newcastle’s racecourse already had a strong reputation for its flat and all-weather racing. But it wasn’t until the late 20th century that Ladies Day Newcastle began to evolve into something more than a sporting fixture. By the early 2000s, fashion, music, and group socialising became just as central as the betting slips and photo finishes.
💄 When Fashion Took Over
What makes Ladies Day Newcastle history stand out is how fashion moved from background to centre stage. Dressing up became the norm — not just suits and hats, but statement looks, matching group themes, and show-stopping heels.
The introduction of the Style Awards took things further. Today, judges handpick finalists from the crowd, with prizes awarded to the best dressed guests — male and female. It’s now one of the biggest talking points of the day.
For 2025, the Style Awards return once again, with fashion spotters roaming the grounds. If you’ve ever wanted a catwalk moment, this is it. It’s not about designer labels — it’s about putting your personality into your outfit, and showing up with confidence and flair.
🎉 A New Era: The Rise of the Party
In the past decade, Ladies Day has embraced its party side — big time.
Where once the focus was purely on the track, the modern-day experience is more like a one-day summer festival. And that’s no accident. Racegoers don’t just want to place a bet — they want a day they’ll remember, from start to finish.
Ladies Day Newcastle 2025 captures that energy better than ever. Here’s what to expect this year:
- 🐎 7 live races, with the first race at 13:57 and the last at 17:27
- 🎧 Live music and entertainment throughout the afternoon
- 🏆 The return of the Best Dressed Style Awards
- 🥂 Food stalls, street drinks bars, and themed enclosures
- 🎉 And a huge Bongo’s Bingo afterparty, included in your ticket
After the final race, the Grandstand Hall becomes the main stage for a party like no other — dancing, prizes, and music madness from the Bongo’s team.
You can book general admission, premium trackside spots, or go all-in with a hospitality package.
🌧️ Rain or Shine: A North East Institution
Weather? Irrelevant. One of the things that defines Ladies Day Newcastle history is how little the weather ever matters. We’ve seen torrential rain, high winds, and blazing sun — and still, the fascinators stay on and the prosecco keeps pouring.
This commitment is part of the charm. Whether you’re in a sleek dress or a loud suit, people turn up, dress up, and don’t let a little cloud ruin their day.
That’s the North East spirit. And it’s part of why this event has become a permanent fixture in the city’s social diary.
📍 Why Newcastle Racecourse Works
Gosforth Park is just 15–20 minutes from the city centre, with ample space, easy access, and both grandstand and private hospitality areas. Over the years, the team at Newcastle Racecourse has refined the flow of the day — from entry to bars to race timings — and it runs like clockwork.
The site has hosted concerts, big sporting fixtures and Christmas events, but Ladies Day remains its flagship.
For many, it’s the only day of the year they’ll attend the races. And they wouldn’t miss it for anything.
📅 Ladies Day 2025: Key Details
🗓️ Date: Saturday 26th July 2025
📍 Location: Newcastle Racecourse, Gosforth Park
🎟️ What’s included: 7 races, Style Awards, live music, full bars and food court, and entry to Bongo’s Bingo afterparty
👉 Tickets available now at the official website
💬 Final Thoughts: A Day That Keeps Evolving
The history of Ladies Day Newcastle is really a story of evolution. It started with the horses. Then came the fashion. Then came the party.
And in 2025, it’s all of that and more. A proper Geordie celebration — one where people come together in their best outfits, cheer each other on, pose for photos, dance after the races, and make memories that last far longer than the final result.
It’s more than a day out. It’s our day.
First-timer tips
https://innewcastle.co.uk/ladies-day-newcastle-first-timer-tips-a-guide-to-the-races/
Style Awards
https://innewcastle.co.uk/ladies-day-newcastle-inside-the-style-awards-how-to-stand-out/
What to wear
https://innewcastle.co.uk/what-to-wear-to-ladies-day-newcastle/
Heels survival tips
https://innewcastle.co.uk/heading-to-the-races-this-summer-read-these-top-tips-for-surviving-heels-all-day-long/
The Jockey’s Rest
https://innewcastle.co.uk/the-jockeys-rest-returns-for-ladies-day-newcastle-2025/