Chester Racecourse Hospitality
Chester Racing Hospitality 2026
Eventmasters are delighted to offer Chester May Festival hospitality packages for 2026 as an Official Hospitality Supplier (OHS) appointed directly by Chester Racecourse for more than 15 years.
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 with our Chester May Festival hospitality packages – elevate your race day experience from within our premium course-facing Trackside Pavilion hospitality facility, which provides stunning views of the final furlong.
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Hospitality Packages at Chester Racecourse
Chester Racecourse is steeped in history, known for its turbulent past, and justifiable reputation for great hospitality.
According to official records, Chester is the oldest racecourse still in use in England, with horse racing at the infamous racecourse dating back to the early sixteenth century. It is also thought to be the smallest racecourse of significance in England at 1 mile and 1 furlong long.
The 65-acre venue lies on the banks of the River Dee. The site was once a harbour during the Roman settlement, but was closed as the river silted up and made navigation impossible.
In the centre of the field is a raised mound, decorated by a small cross known as a “rood”. It is from this that Chester Racecourse derives its nickname as an expression of “Rood Eye”, meaning “The Island of the Cross”.
Chester Racecourse site was also home to the Goteddsday football match, before being converted into a venue to host horse racing.
The first recorded horse race at Chester Racecourse was held on February 8 1539, with the consent of then-mayor Henry Gee, whose name led to the use of the term “gee-gee” for horses.
Races initially took place on Goteddsday (Shrove Tuesday) until 1609, and thereafter on St George’s Day. Victors were awarded the “Chester Bells”, for decorating the horse’s bridle, and from 1744 the “Grosvenor Gold Cup” – a small tumbler made from solid gold.
For decades, Chester Racecourse was just an open field. The first Grandstand wasn’t built until 1817, while admission fees didn’t come into effect until 1897. The Grandstand was rebuilt between 1899-1900 and then fully replaced in 1985 after incurring damage from a fire.
The Racecourse’s position in the city makes meetings at Chester very popular as it is only a short stroll to all the hotels, bars, shopping and restaurants.
The east side of the Chester Racecourse abuts directly onto the ancient city walls, allowing spectators to watch the horse racing action for free and enjoy panoramic views of the whole circuit.
Chester Races: A Three Day Event
The three days of the event, Chester City Day, Chester Ladies Day, and Chester Cup Day, all feature high-quality racing with premium hospitality inside the Premier Course Facing Pavilions, certainly matching the action on the track.
Chester Racecourse hospitality facilities are excellent and include the popular Silks Restaurant, which is an established favourite for the Chester May Festival. Silks is located in the Trackside Pavilion and boasts a private garden area along the running rails with excellent views of the final furlong.
With the Racecourse, just a two-minute walk from the centre of Chester, guests attending the races can stay in city-centre accommodation or the venue’s own hotel, the Holiday Inn Express Chester Racecourse.
Chester Race Company Ltd is responsible for both Chester and Bangor-on Dee courses along with all catering and conferencing facilities on site.
Why opt for Chester Racecourse Hospitality in May 2026?
The facilities at this beautiful racecourse boast top-level chefs, delectable menu offerings, all-inclusive bars, unrivalled service, and a breathtaking atmosphere that every horse racing fan dreams of.
Our Chester Racecourse hospitality package provides the perfect setting to celebrate an important occasion, entertain clients or employees, or simply have an excellent day full of fun with family & friends.
The Chester May Festival marks the beginning of the racing calendar for the fabulous Chester Racecourse. Be part of the atmosphere as the racing season truly kicks off with a bang.
Chester Racecourse Category Page FAQs:
What hospitality does Eventmasters offer for Chester Racecourse?
At Eventmasters Corporate Hospitality, we have been the Official Hospitality Suppliers (OHS) directly appointed by Chester Racecourse for 15 years.
We are delighted to offer the VIP Silks Hospitality Package for the annual Chester May Festival, with the next iteration of this prestigious race meeting taking place in May 2026. Silks is located in the trackside pavilion, accompanied by an exclusive garden area and private viewing along the running rails.
This package combines world-class, enthralling racing with a luxury race day experience which you and your guests/clients will remember fondly.
Am I able to book hospitality for a group or corporate event?
Yes, at the Chester May Festival, our Silks Package is ideal for entertaining clients, networking, and celebrating a special occasion.
Additionally, the private tables in the Silks facility cater for 10 or 12 guests at any one time. If you have a smaller group, then you will be allocated a shared table instead.
When should I arrive at Chester to experience hospitality?
The hospitality will open at 11:30am, two hours before the first race of the day gets underway at 13:30.
What is included in a hospitality package at Chester Racecourse?
At Eventmasters, we offer VIP Chester Racecourse Hospitality for the iconic Chester May Festival, where we offer the sensational Silks Package.
The luxurious offerings with Silks includes a reserved area for race viewing within the final furlong, a Rose Prosecco reception, a four course gourmet lunch, afternoon tea, racecards, betting facilities, a celebrity guest speaker, television viewing, car park pass (1 per 2 guests), as well as a complimentary bar that is serving beers, house wines, and soft drinks.
Additionally, you and your guests/clients will also be able to enjoy insight from ITV Racing’s Racing Host and our Celebrity Horse Racing Ambassador, Matt Chapman.
What is the dress code for VIP Hospitality?
The dress code is strict, with every guest required to wear smart clothing for race meetings at Chester Racecourse. This is very much the case in our Silks Hospitality facility at the annual Chester May Festival.
It requires Gentlemen to wear a tailored suit or blazer, a collared shirt and tie, and smart trousers.
Ladies are required to wear a dress, skirt, or smart trouser suit, but attire that is too revealing is to be avoided.
Additionally, you are NOT allowed to wear jeans, shorts, trainers, tracksuits, sportswear, or fancy dress.
Can bets be placed from my hospitality facility?
Yes – our Silks VIP Hospitality Package for the Chester May Festival offers a betting facility as part of the package. Televisions are also available in Silks for live racing coverage, so you and your guests/clients won’t miss a moment of the action.
How can I get in touch regarding Hospitality at Chester Racecourse?
There are a number of ways in which you can get in touch regarding hospitality at Chester Racecourse.
If you prefer, you can contact us via the form at the bottom of the page or get in touch with our dedicated sales team on 0121 233 6500.
Register for our Chester Racecourse Hospitality – Priority Alerts:
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.
