Even for people who aren't really interested in horse racing, the Grand National is a well-known day in the national calendar. But, for those who live next door to Aintree, where the race is held, it's front and centre for days.
Running for three days, the Grand National Festival takes months of planning. Businesses will be looking to cash in, but what's it like living so close to a world-famous event?
Houses on Melling Road next to the Merseyside racecourse have surrounded it for decades. More recently, new housing developments have been built around Seeds Lane.
Joanne Bennett and her family have lived a stone's throw away from the racecourse since 1997. They embrace the event and hold an annual part.
Joanne told the Liverpool ECHO: "Because the security is so good, we don't get much hassle. It's busy but it's interesting. The police are excellent."
Joanne's house is tucked away from the main road in a prime spot. She added: "It's great for people watching. I even had a Smurf hiding in my garden on National day about two years ago."
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Joanne's neighbour, who didn't want to be named, said the build-up is "lovely". She added: "It's very exciting and we feel safe. We can actually see it all from the back.
"We watch the start of the race from outside. It's a party atmosphere, we have all our friends round and the neighbours have people round for a drink. It's dead around here with the road closures, so we all sit outside."
However, she said last year was "horrendous" as hundreds of people were forced to queue on Seeds Lane to get onto the course: "We couldn't get out the front door. I don't know what happened, but the police horses even had to come in and move people on. Usually it's brilliant."
Barbara McCall, 75, who's lived in the area for five years, also called for more facilities for punters, such as portable toilets. She added: "Last year they didn't have any on the corner of Seeds Lane and Melling Road. We've asked for them to be put there. I do get people knocking on my door asking to use the toilet. I'm glad that it happens and it brings money to Aintree and Liverpool. It's nice to see the fashion and all the styles."
In Melling Road, resident Gary likes to soak up the "great atmosphere". He added: "We're made up. It's only three days a year and we get in and out OK. We used to go regularly, but now we just have family round for a few drinks."
House parties are a definite theme for the residents of L9 when it comes to Grand National day. Carol Underwood, 62, likes to celebrate the big race alongside family birthdays, as the two usually take place around the same time.
She added: "We have our Grand National party and a sweep every year. I take the grandkids up to Melling Road to watch. I love the fashion and seeing everyone walk past, you're just made up for them."
Carol said the organisers are "very courteous" and offer homes in the streets nearby free tickets to the October meeting. Chris, who said he's lived on Seeds Lane "for 20 years" admitted he's never actually been.
"I have a bet," he added. "You can hear them all in the stands from here."
The 2023 Randox Grand National Festival starts on Thursday, April 13, with Ladies Day on April 14 and the Grand National itself taking place on Saturday, April 15.
