The countdown is on to one of Newcastle's social highlights of the year so it's time to dust off those hats and dig out the heels in readiness for the big event.
Plate Day at Newcastle Racecourse of course has always been a sporting highlight of the city calendar but over the years it has become, for many people, more of a grand day out and occasion to dress to impress. It comes at the end of the three-day Northumberland Plate Festival and is a much-loved occasion.
Plate Day will be back at Gosforth Park this year later than usual so check our guide below for the date for the diary and for the post-racing entertainment which will see Tom Grennan keep the party spirit going. And don't forget that Ladies Day, another biggie on the calendar, will follow later in the month and this time Ronan Keating will be performing.
Read more: Ticket details for Ronan Keating and Tom Grennan at Gosforth Park racecourse
Ladies Day introduced the likes of pop-up bars and dining pods last year, following the announcement of a main sponsorship deal with Gainford Group and both main events this year will have similar attractions so watch this space.
When is Plate Day?
The Northumberland Plate Festival will take place from June 29 to July 1. (On the second day of the event, the Friday, a Vernon Kay DJ set will be a highlight of a 90s night that follows the racing). Plate Day will be the Saturday, July 1 .
Plate Day timings
The number of flat races during the day has yet to be confirmed but will between six and eight and Tom Grennan will be performing afterwards. Gates open half an hour earlier than usual this year and the start of the day's racing is a good 55 minutes earlier than last time too, all to do with the racecourse's commitments of TV broadcast partners.
There will be eight flat races during the day, the last of which is set to be one hour hour and 10 minutes earlier than last time.
10.30am - gates open
12.20pm - first race
2.05pm - The Northumberland Plate race
4.25pm - last race
Tickets and food and drink rules
For a guide to Plate Day ticket prices, hospitality packages and food and drink, including rules you need to know about, see here.
What time will Tom Grennan perform?
The chart-topping singer-songwriter will take to the stage at the close of the day's racing so he will be on stage around 5.pm. Note that the timing is an approximate one.
The chart-topping BRIT and Ivor Novello-nominated talent, whose new album What Ifs & Maybe accompanied a spring tour, has said of the current stage in his career: I'm in a new creative space and I know I'm finally the artist I want to be. I'm so buzzing for these shows, my biggest gigs to date. I can't wait to get out and play these new songs to everyone."
North East fans are in for a treat with Grennan's CV already including four UK Top 10 singles. And two of his platinum-selling anthems - Little Bit Of Love and By Your Side - from album Evering Road scored in the Top Three most-played songs of the year. For more information see here.
Those who want to continue after his live show might like to know the official Plate Day after-party will be taking place in Aveika on Newcastle Quayside once again. There's free entry with your race ticket plus drinks packages for those with premiere and diamond marquee tickets: see here.
When is Ladies Day?
This will take place on July 29 and there will be a post-race performance by Ronan Keating. For full information about the events and what else is happening at Gosforth Park see here.
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