It’s a big day for music fans – and for York Racecourse.
The city’s biggest sporting venue reopens fully for the first time for 21 months with six races followed by a concert by Eighties pop legend Rick Astley.
It is the first Music Showcase weekend since 2019, and Rick is certainly looking forward to it!
After Rick headlines today, tomorrow it is the turn of McFly, following a seven-race festival.
York Racecourse is anticipating a figure of around 30,000 on Saturday, with a sell-out in all enclosures on the stands’ side of the course.
But you can still get to watch both!
Friday details – Rick Astley
Gates open today at 4pm, the first race is at 6pm, and Rick is due on stage at about 8.45pm. But you have to be in the racecourse by 8.30pm to see him.
James Brennan, York Racecourse’s head of marketing and sponsorship, told Ben Fry on YorkMix Radio this morning that tickets are still available.
“There are badges and tickets for all areas – county stand, grandstand and paddock – and the clocktower enclosure for the first time since October 2019.
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“All three areas this evening are on sale from when the gates open at four o’clock. The only request is you’ve got to be with us by the time of the last race at 8.30 if you also want to see the concert.”
The dress code is relaxed, with no jacket required for the county stand today or tomorrow.
Saturday details – McFly
All the stands are sold out – but you can still get in to the clocktower enclosure on the day. Tickets are available on the gate only, on a first come, first served basis.
The enclosure has a capacity of several thousand “so I don’t think they need to be there at 11.16,” James said.
“But don’t don’t leave it too long, just in case, because McFly have proved very popular when combined with racing.”
Gates open at 11.15am, with the first of seven races at 2.05pm. The last race is at 5.35pm, and after that McFly do their stuff.
“It is clocktower enclosure only tomorrow, so pack a picnic,” James said.
“Come and enjoy that grassy bank, the great view of the horses, and you’ll still feel part of the concert from the lads from McFly.
“We’ve put an extra big screen across in clocktower enclosure, to showcase the concert.”
James added: “None of us knows what life will be like as we emerge from the pandemic, but there’s a real buzz about the place.”