Events

It’s the Roar. It’s the Drama. It’s the Feeling.

Immerse yourself in the Magic of May. Three unmissable and exhilarating days of racing at the Boodles May Festival. This is Chester Racecourse’s most prestigious three-day race meeting, taking place at the beginning of May each year and launching the remainder of the years racing season.

The Boodles May Festival consist of three consecutive race meetings – Trials Day, Ladies Day and Chester Cup Day. Each meeting has its own unique character and personality. Ladies Day is of course an iconic fixture, used by racegoers to showcase the latest styles and trends in impactful outfits designed to wow. Trials Day and Chester Cup Day however, are fan favourites amongst the hardcore racing enthusiasts, as the annual Chester Vase race is used as a trial for the Epsom Derby and the Chester Cup race weeds out the greatest of jockeys and racehorses destined for success.

At the Carnival there is a lot to look forward to – an ongoing combination of great live music on our big stage and various activities, old and new, around the field.
 
The Grand Opening will be at 1.20pm, when we will be welcoming everybody to the big day. The music show will then open with popular performers . More details on the "Our Performers page.
 
However, being a carnival, we not only have a great afternoon of live music, but lots more to do for kids of all ages. Around the field we have a Climbing Wall, an Inflatable Obstacle Course, a Magic Show, Punch and Judy, have-a-go Circus Skills, a Stilt Walker, and a wide variety of other stalls.*

Forest Live is a major live music series held in our nation’s forest.

Join us among the trees to hear the best live music, connect with nature and discover unique locations across the country. 

This is the ideal concert experience taking place in beautiful natural woodland arenas every summer, with a relaxed atmosphere and an incredible soundtrack.