The skies may be cloudy but revellers at the May Festival’s Ladies Day brightened up the course at Chester in a series of colourful frocks and fascinators.
Dressed in a sea of pinks, yellows and blues, the glamorous racegoers put their best fashion foot forward for the annual occasion.
The event is billed as the ‘pinnacle of Chester’s social calendar’, and excited revellers were determined to show off their style prowess.
With Chester operating a far less strict dress code than other racing events, such as Royal Ascot, attendees took full advantage of the relaxed sartorial guidelines as they gathered for the race meeting.
Some racegoers opted for risqué mini dresses, while others turned heads in sleeveless numbers and daring frocks with cut-out detailing.
Here come the girls! The skies may be cloudy but revellers at the May Festival’s Ladies Day brightened up the course at Chester in a series of colourful frocks and fascinators
Each stand at Chester Racecourse adheres to a specific dress code policy. If you’re in the Chester Members and Private Hospitality area, there is a ‘strictly smart’ style guide, with ladies encouraged to don longer-length skirts and dresses, chic trouser suits and statement hats.
The Winning Post and County Long Room and Concourse enclosures suggest a ‘dress to impress’ mentality, recommending clutch bags, fascinators and mix-and-match colour schemes.
The Tattersalls enclosure urges guests to ‘make a statement’ with their outfits, listing jumpsuits and tailored shorts, maxi dresses and headbands and hair accessories as strong choices.
The most casual stands are the Dee and Open Course, where relaxed summer dresses, shorts and T-shirts and sunglasses are welcomed.
The opening day of the festival featured Cheshire Oaks and Chester Vase races, with £100,000 prize money at stake for the latter.
Spot on! A glamorous racegoer puts her best fashion foot forward for the annual occasion
Cheers to Chester! Racegoers raise a glass to the event as they showcase their ensembles
Working it! Tulisa turns heads in a daring thigh-split gown as she parties with pals at Chester Races
Strike a pose! The event is billed as the ‘pinnacle of Chester’s social calendar’, and excited revellers were determined to show off their style prowess
Couple goals: A pair at the races show off their coordinating look as they arrive at the event
Monochrome magic: Gemma Owen sported a glamorous white and black ensemble for the racing meet
