Chester Racecourse
Home to Boodles May Festival 2026
The UK’s Oldest Racecourse
Having first been established in 1539, Chester Racecourse is the oldest horse racing venue globally. Chester Racecourse is renowned for its short course, being only 1 mile and 1 furlong and comprising tight bends and fast action racing.
The distinctive track hosts fifteen days of competitive racing throughout the year, although the Chester May Festival is the highlight in the sporting calendar. Chester is no stranger to the Royal Family and consistently places in the Top 5 annual spectator attendance. It hosts some of the most iconic racing events of the year, such as the Chester Cup, Ormonde Stakes and Chester Vase. Since the award’s debut in 2008, the racecourse has achieved the Gold Standard Award by the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) and the coveted Large Racecourse of the Year in 2015, 2018 and 2019.
Chester Racecourse Hospitality
Eventmasters are proud to treat guests and clients to Chester May Festival hospitality packages for 2026. The Boodles May Festival is one of flat racing’s most popular events, where style, fashion and exhilarating action go hand in hand. Entertain your important clients and guests at one of the UK’s best racecourses to make your day unforgettable from within our premium course-facing Trackside Pavilion – providing excellent views of the final furlong.
As an Official Hospitality Supplier (OHS), we provide exclusive VIP Chester Racecourse hospitality packages and tickets for the Chester May Festival from Wednesday 6th May 2026 – Friday 8th May 2026. We offer a range of horse racing packages tailored to suit guests visiting throughout the festival, all with exceptional racecourse views.
Chester Racecourse Hospitality for Boodles May Festival 2026
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Chester Racecourse FAQs
Where is Chester Racecourse located?
Chester Racecourse is located right next to the iconic River Dee in the heart of Chester, which is in the county of Cheshire in England. It is also amongst the most scenic racecourses in the United Kingdom, with it sitting just outside of Chester’s historic city walls.
The specific address for Chester Racecourse is as follows:
The Racecourse, New Crane Street, Chester, CH1 2LY.
What is special about Chester Racecourse?
Chester Racecourse is special for a variety of reasons, with one being that it is an ideal venue for socialising and watching some of the best horses, jockeys, and trainers in action as they compete for victory.
Affectionately called ‘The Roodee’—meaning The Island of the Ross—Chester Racecourse is more than historic; it is the world’s longest-running stage for thrilling races, with it dating as far back as 1539.
Together with the VIP world-class hospitality options available, you and your guests/clients are sure to make some great memories.
When can I enjoy racing at Chester?
The racing season for Chester Racecourse typically takes place there from May to September each year. The highlight of the season is undoubtedly the prestigious annual Chester May Festival, which in 2026 will be taking place over three days once more, from Wednesday 6th May to Friday 8th May 2026.
Day One of the May Festival is known as City Day, which is followed by Ladies Day, and then Chester Cup Day, which brings the action to a close.
What hospitality experiences can I book with Eventmasters at Chester?
At Eventmasters, we have been Official Hospitality Suppliers (OHS) for 15 years, having been directly appointed by Chester Racecourse.
We offer VIP Hospitality for the annual three day Chester May Festival, with the package on offer being Silks.
Silks is located within the Trackside Pavilion with an exclusive garden area, whilst it also offers private viewing along the running rails. This package offers a luxury race day experience that combines the racing with premium hospitality, whilst also being in the thick of the action taking place.
What is included in a hospitality package at Chester Racecourse with Eventmasters?
At Chester Racecourse, we have hospitality available for the Chester May Festival, with the package on offer being Silks.
Silks brings with it a luxurious experience where you will not miss a moment of the action. It also has plenty to offer, including a County Stand admission badge, a private table for 10 or 12 guests, a reserved area for race viewing within the final furlong, a Rose Prosecco reception, a four course gourmet lunch, a complimentary bar with beers, house wines, and soft drinks, as well as an afternoon tea, racecards, betting facilities, television viewing, and car park passes (1 per 2 guests).
There will also be detailed insight from ITV Racing Host and our Celebrity Horse Racing Ambassador, Matt Chapman.
Note that for the Private Tables, smaller parties will be allocated to shared tables instead.
When will the gates open at Chester Racecourse?
The gates open at 11:30, with the first race for the Chester May Festival getting underway at 13:30, whilst gates will close each day at 18:00. Last orders at the bar will be at 17:30 in the afternoon.
Please also note that race times will be subject to change.
What is the dress code for hospitality at Chester Racecourse?
The dress code for hospitality at Chester Racecourse is very strict. For our Silks Package at the annual Chester May Festival, Gentlemen are required to wear a tailored suit or blazer with a collared shirt, as well as a tie and smart trousers.
As for Ladies, they are required to wear a dress, skirt, or smart trouser suit, with ‘revealing’ attire prohibited.
Please also note that jeans, shorts, trainers, tracksuits, sportswear, and fancy dress are all NOT allowed.
How can I contact Eventmasters with an enquiry about hospitality at Chester Racecourse?
There are numerous ways to get in touch with us at Eventmasters Corporate Hospitality in regards to hospitality at Chester Racecourse.
You can go ahead and fill in the enquiry form at the bottom of the page, where you will receive a prompt response from a member of our dedicated Sales Team. If you would prefer, you can call our Sales Team directly on 0121 233 6500.
Discover More About Chester Racecourse
The History of Chester Racecourse
The Roodee, as Chester Racecourse is otherwise known, is the world’s oldest racecourse still in service and attracts riders, trainers and racegoers from Britain, Ireland and France. The sixty-five-acre site served the Roman garrison of Deva as a harbour on the River Dee. The river’s weir system resulted in much higher volumes of silt being deposited by the early Middle Ages, allowing the original Roodee to be transformed into a riverside meadow, eventually becoming the foundation for the region’s development of a racecourse.
A significant moment in Chester Racecourse history is a hand-painted wooden bowl – the first recorded prize to the 1512 winner at the Chester fair. Henry Gee, the mayor of Chester in 1539, became synonymous with racehorses as he introduced the idea of an annual horse race meeting at the Roodee. Chester races brought “the perfect mix of society from all over the British Isles” – a proud tradition still maintained today.
Chester’s racing calendar has recently expanded to encompass 15 days of competitive and high-quality racing, including the Chester Festival in May, which features classic events such as the Chester Cup, Chester Vase, Ormonde Stakes, Cheshire Oaks and Dee Stakes. The unique environment of the Roodee has grown to include many purpose-built facilities to enjoy the racing at Chester, serviced by an award-winning team offering the iconic ‘Chester experience’ for guests.
Chester Racing Fixtures / Events
Boodles May Festival City Day 2026 – Wednesday 6th May 2026
Boodles May Festival Ladies Day 2026 – Thursday 7th May 2026
Boodles May Festival Chester Cup Day 2026 – Friday 8th May 2026
More Events at Chester Racecourse
Chester Racecourse is a multi-purpose venue with VIP facilities to host fairs, exports and large scale events. The Pavilion Suite is specially designed for larger events, including black-tie dinners, corporate events and award ceremonies.
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is iconic for having award-winning gardens whilst being the home to 21,000 endangered and exotic animals. Chester Zoo dedicates its time to providing the best possible care for its animals while preserving native and international wildlife. This is the perfect stop for families travelling to Chester for the weekend!
Chester City Walls
Chester’s famous City Walls are the most complete in Britain and one of Britain’s best historic city trails. Chester City Walls were initially built to defend the Roman Fortress of Deva 2000 years ago and were waled by Roman legionaries, Anglo-Savon warriors and many others.
Chester Cathedral
The ancient abbey is at the heart of a vibrant community at Chester, receiving a Visitor Attraction Award Winner in 2015. The abbey has become the centre of musical excellence while still showcasing a blend of modern and medieval history.
Chester Racecourse News & Updates
The Boodles May Festival is the most famous and well-known horse racing meeting at Chester Racecourse.
Ladies’ Day is a significant event within the racing calendar. Renowned for its style and sophistication, Ladies Day provides the utmost sophistication and glamour for all to enjoy with the best in fashion and style on parade at Chester Racecourse.
The final day of the prestigious Chester May Festival sees the highest-profile and most valuable race of our season take place, the historic Tote Chester Cup. The Chester Cup is the highlight of the year and one of the major handicaps of the British racing calendar.
Travelling to Chester Racecourse
Please use the Google map provided for further information.
How do I travel to Chester Racecourse by car?
If you’re driving from Liverpool, Manchester, North Wales, or the south of England, we suggest taking the M53, M56, M6, and A483. Follow the temporary yellow signage as you approach Chester to the racecourse. Please note that road closures on New Crane Street, Watergate Street, and Nuns Road may occur between 9 am and 9 pm. Security will remove safety barriers from 9 pm to allow routine access to guests.
When using the Sat Nav, we advise you put Sealand Road (CH1 4LZ) instead of Chester racecourse for an easier journey.
How do I travel to Chester Racecourse by train?
Chester has a reliable and easily accessible rail network if travelling to the Chester Train Station. The railway station is a six-minute taxi ride to the venue or a 20-minute walk.
How do I travel to Chester Racecourse by bus?
The Chester City/Rail Circular bus service approximately runs every 6 minutes from Chester Station and the city centre. Frodsham Street bus stop, Eastgate Street, and Watergate Street are all within a 5-minute walk of the racecourse.
Interested in our Chester Racecourse hospitality packages for 2026?
Chester May Festival
Our Chester Hospitality Team are ready to help you plan your day at the Chester May Festival - Complete this contact form and one of our horseracing specialists will be in contact shortly.
