Newmarket Racecourse is affectionately known as ‘headquarters’, the home of British ‘Flat’ racing. Actually, Newmarket is essentially racing’s global HQ and in fact is comprised of two racecourses: the Rowley Mile and the July Course. Many of the nations top thoroughbreds are trained in and around Newmarket. The tracks here host two of Britain’s five Classic races and a number of other Group One events – the top horse races in the country.
Both the 2000 Guineas and 1000 Guineas are staged on the Rowley Mile each early May, while events such as the July Cup and the Falmouth Stakes are run on the July Course during the summer. Top autumn races include the Dewhurst Stakes which crowns Britain’s top juvenile runner. Newmarket has been hosting racing since 1636. The centre of the sport in Britain, the town contains dozens of training yards, the National Stud and the National Horseracing Museum. Newmarket, basically put, is horse racing’s Hollywood.
More Than Just a Racing Venue
The vast space around Newmarket’s racecourse and training venues means it is ideal for non-racing events. At the courses, the event space and grandstands mean Newmarket is great for concerts and other organised events which it holds regularly. The racecourses are only around 1½ miles from the centre of Newmarket. There is a train link to Newmarket, the town being more or less equidistant between Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds.
The ‘Newmarket Nights’ events are popular summer concerts hosted with big name artists, some modern and some blasts from the past. Through their ‘Summer Saturdays‘ series they also host markets, fairs, agricultural shows, food wine festivals and exhibitions.
Upcoming Events at Newmarket
Madness: Live at Newmarket Racecourse
The excellent Madness return to Newmarket for another brilliant live show after racing on July 17th. Get ready to jump along to One Step Beyond, It Must Be Love, House of Fun, Our House and many more. All of this comes after a great early evening of turf horse racing action on the July Course.
Gates are open from 3:15pm with the first race due off at 5:15. The final race of the night is set for 8:40 and Madness are due on stage from around 9:00pm.
Newmarket: Boots & Bridles with Morgan Wallen Tribute Band
Newmarket Racecourses hosts Boots and Bridles on July 18th, a country-themed raceday combining exciting racing with Nashville-inspired entertainment. Set on the July Course, the event brings together the atmosphere of the racetrack and the sounds of country music, with racegoers encouraged to embrace the theme in their best western attire. Gates open at 12:30pm, with racing from 2:30pm and live entertainment continuing after the final race until approximately 7:10pm.
Newmarket: Aitch on the July Course
One of the UK’s most successful rap artists headlines Newmarket’s July Course on July 31st as Aitch performs live after evening racing. The Manchester rapper has built a reputation for chart success and energetic live shows, with recent releases reinforcing his place among Britain’s leading music acts. Following a seven-race card, Aitch takes to the stage for a 60-minute performance beginning at approximately 8:50pm. Gates open at 3:50pm, with racing from 5:50pm.
Newmarket: Jessie J on the July Course
A multi-platinum recording artist with a catalogue of chart hits, Jessie J headlines Newmarket’s July Course on August 7th following an evening of racing. Renowned for her powerful vocals and commanding live performances, the BRIT Award winner has enjoyed global success with songs including Price Tag, Domino and Who You Are. The concert begins shortly after the final race at 8:15pm, with gates opening at 3:20pm and racing starting at 5:20pm.
Craig David TS5: Live at Newmarket Racecourse
The ever-popular Craig David returns for another massive show at Newmarket live after summer racing on August 14th. The worldwide superstar will shine on stage at the July Course, singing well-known hits such as 7 Days, Walking Away, Insomnia, Fill Me In, Rewind, Rendezvous and many more. The show is due to start at 8:50pm after racing which is due to finish at 8:30. The first race is due off at 4:45, gates are open from 3:45pm.
Newmarket: Kaiser Chiefs on the July Course
Two of Britain’s most successful indie bands share the bill at Newmarket’s July Course on August 22nd. Kaiser Chiefs headline the post-racing concert, bringing a catalogue packed with festival favourites including Ruby, I Predict A Riot and Oh My God, while Scouting For Girls provide support with a selection of their chart hits. The live music follows an afternoon of racing, with the concert beginning at approximately 5:30pm after the final race at 4:55pm.
Newmarket: Cambridgeshire Meeting Featuring Oktoberfest
One of Newmarket’s premier autumn fixtures, the Cambridgeshire Meeting returns with three days of high-class racing and off-track entertainment. Featuring seven Group races across the festival, the meeting showcases some of the sport’s leading horses, highlighted by the Cheveley Park Stakes, Middle Park Stakes and the prestigious bet365 Cambridgeshire Handicap. Alongside the racing, Oktoberfest-themed festivities bring a lively atmosphere to the racecourse, making this a standout event in the closing stages of the Flat season.
Recent Events at Newmarket
Summer Rewind at Newmarket Racecourse
As well as being the very home of flat racing in the UK, Newmarket hosts some of the best summer party nights. Now, we’re ready for another one as fun meets nostalgia at the Summer Rewind!
Head off on a trip through the hedonistic 90’s and 00’s by listening to some of the absolute bangers of the era. From the best hits of the generation, to classic throwback tracks, you can relive your glory days and while taking in a fantastic day of horse racing. This one will be a day to remember forever.
Five: Live at Newmarket Racecourse
After another brilliant summer evening of racing at HQ, popular 90’s boy band Five will perform on the big stage. On the circuit since 1997, Five have sold over 20 million records around the world. Their hits, including When the Lights Go Out, Keep On Movin’ and If Ya Gettin’ Down, have led to 11 top ten singles including 3 UK number ones and can be heard on the July Course from around 8:40pm. Gates open for the event at 2:50 and the first of at least six races goes off at 4:50.
Summer Saturday Live with the Sugababes & Natasha Bedingfield
Newmarket July Courses Summer Saturday Live is back, featuring the Sugababes and Natasha Bedingfield on Saturday, August 23rd.
The original Sugababes lineup will perform their iconic back catalogue, preceded by a set from Natasha Bedingfield. Gates open at 11:25am for racing at 1:25pm, the last race being due off at 4:55pm before a 5:10pm start to the music.
Singers Ball and Boe Perform Live at Newmarket
The July Course’s Newmarket Nights continue with Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, live after racing on August 15th. The popular duo perform live from around 8:15pm, fifteen minutes after racing, showcasing 90 minutes of multi-million-selling and chart-topping songs. Gates are open from 3:15pm, with racing due to begin on the course at 5:15pm.
Dinosaur Day - Meet Zeus, Europe’s Largest Walking T-Rex
Under-18’s go free on Dinosaur Day – a day of racing and family entertainment on the July Course. Jurassic themed entertainment is the nature of the day, as well as outstanding horse racing of course.
An immersive dinosaur experience will entertain the family, including the after racing show in the Garden Enclosure. Gates open at 11:55am, the first race is at 1:55pm and the last race is due off at 4:50pm.
British Music Legends Faithless Perform Summer Concert
Faithless return to Newmarket’s July Course for another live show on Friday, August 8th. The dance music idols return for another Newmarket Nights shift, performing a full headline set after racing. Gates open at 3:20pm for racing at 5:20pm, the last race is due off at 8:15pm with the show to begin at approximately 8:30 – 10:00pm.
Tom Jones: Live at Newmarket Racecourse
The July Course is the venue for Tom Jones’s live performance at Newmarket on Friday, August 1st. The Welsh superstar makes his long-anticipated return to Newmarket to headline a full music set after racing. Gates open at 3:45pm, the first race takes place at 5:45pm, the last race is at 8:30pm and the live show begins around 8:50pm.