Sat within Gosforth Park just outside the city centre, Newcastle Racecourse is one of the busiest and most versatile racecourses in the UK. Surrounded by parkland yet only a short journey from central Newcastle down the Great North Road, the venue combines a modern racing setup with the famously lively North East atmosphere.
It is one of the few courses in Britain to stage both National Hunt racing and all-weather Flat racing, giving it a packed year-round calendar regardless of what the weather decides to do.
Newcastle is particularly well known for its all-weather straight track, which uses a Tapeta surface and is considered one of the fairest synthetic tracks in British racing. The course also hosts major jump meetings during the winter months, often attracting strong fields and big crowds. Race days here can range from serious sporting occasions to full-on social events, with plenty of entertainment both on and off the track.
Some of Newcastle’s headline races/events include:
- The Northumberland Plate (Flat)
- The Hoppings Stakes (Flat)
- The Chipchase Stakes (Flat)
- All Weather Championships Finals Day (Flat)
- The Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Jumps)
- The Eider Chase (Jumps)
Away from horse racing, Newcastle Racecourse has become a major events and hospitality venue for the region. It regularly hosts concerts, tribute nights, weddings, conferences, exhibitions and themed party events throughout the year. The venue’s large indoor spaces and expansive grounds also make it popular for business functions and community gatherings. Whether it’s a prestigious race meeting or a summer concert with thousands in attendance, Newcastle Racecourse rarely stays quiet for long.
Upcoming Events at Newcastle
Newcastle: Ladies Day 2026 Featuring Bongo's Bingo & N-Trance
Newcastle Racecourse stages its annual Ladies Day on July 25th, bringing together competitive flat racing, fashion and post-race entertainment. Alongside a seven-race card on the all-weather track, racegoers can enjoy the popular Style Awards before the atmosphere shifts from raceday to party mode. After the racing concludes, Bongo’s Bingo takes centre stage with a lively show featuring music, audience participation and a special appearance from 90s dance act N-Trance.
Newcastle: Firework and Funfair Racenight 2026
Newcastle Racecourse lights up the autumn calendar on November 6th with its Friday Floodlit Firework and Funfair Raceday. Staged under the venue’s floodlights, the fixture offers an evening of all-weather racing as the weekends begin in style. Beyond the action on the track, visitors can enjoy a funfair and a fireworks display, adding to the atmosphere of one of the racecourse’s most popular seasonal events. The combination of sport and entertainment makes for a memorable November night out.