One of Cumbria’s entertainment highlights is almost here.
There will be top class horse racing, a night of unadulterated Britpop hits and the biggest gathering of dinosaurs ever seen in Cumbria – at least for a few millennia.
Cartmel Racecourse’s end of June fixtures always draw the crowds, but it promises to be extra special this year.
“It’s our biggest entertainment weekend of the year,” says Cartmel Racing Director Geraldine McKay.
“We have superb racing plus a great night of music and the biggest number of dinosaurs ever seen in Cumbria. And the weather is looking like it will be dry.”
On Friday June 28, there will be afternoon racing followed by a chance to relive the Nineties music phenomenon that was Britpop.
Taking to the stage will be Inspiral Carpets keyboard player and northern legend Clint Boon who will be performing a DJ set.
Plus The Complete Stone Roses, dubbed the UK’s most authentic Roses tribute band, and Definitely Oasis – the most raved about Oasis tribute band in the world.
Cartmel’s stunning ground will turn party venue for the evening with dancing and singing along to classics like Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger and I Wanna Be Adored.
“Come and relive the good times, it is the best night in Cumbria,” says Geraldine. “We have a great sound system and stage. It will be a good quality show and tickets are only £35.”
Then on Sunday June 30, it’s the Jurassic Jumps Family Fun Day with top quality racing and the chance to get up close and personal with more than 20 dinosaurs.
This is Cartmel’s highest prize money race day of the year featuring two Class 2 races, generously sponsored by Oakmere Homes.
“The day always attracts owners and trainers from across the UK,” says Geraldine.
The super realistic but child friendly dinosaurs, including baby dinos and a huge Stegosaurus, will take to the course late morning for a race of their own.
“I think that race might be a bit slower than our equine superstars,” said Geraldine.
“After a cool down, the dinos will then go to their own special show area where there will be lots of fun and opportunity to interact with them.
“For anyone who loves dinosaurs, kids young and old, it’s going to be a wonderful spectacle.
“The horses will come out after the dinosaurs are safely in their own area.”
At the Dinosaur Gazebo the dinos will spend the afternoon meeting and greeting and posing for photos.
They will also stage several theatrical dinosaur shows which are interactive, fun and educational.
What’s on at Cartmel Racecourse
- Friday Racing and Britpop, Friday June 28. Gates open 10am. First race starts 1.55pm. Last race 4.47pm
- Jurassic Jumps Family Fun Day, Sunday June 30. Gates open 9am. First race starts 2pm. Last race 4.55pm
Useful information
How to get there
Leave the M6 at junction 36 and take the A590 towards Barrow until you reach the turn off for High Newton, then follow the yellow event signs.
By train, travel to Cark-in-Cartmel then take a taxi. Taxis will be in demand so it is advised to book in advance.
Where to stay
Four camping areas are available at the racecourse, plus space for caravans and motorhomes but these fill up quickly. Find out more on the racecourse website.
Safety information
The parkland around the course has beautiful ancient oak trees, but it is not a good idea to sit beneath or climb on them as they can break.
Children are free to paddle in the beck which flows through the Paddock Enclosure, but please ensure they are supervised. The beck is also not suitable for washing up or drinking as animals use it up and downstream.
First aid posts are situated in the Paddock and course enclosures.
