FINAL preparations are underway to transform one of the UK’s most unique racecourses into a concert venue for a star-studded night of live music.
Sir Cliff Richard, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and The Fly Boys will entertain the crowds when Cartmel Racecourse is ‘wired for sound’ at its summer concert this Friday, June 28 following an afternoon of horse racing.
And with temperatures set to soar over the weekend, organisers are now getting set to dish out suncream from information points across the course while they ensure plentiful supplies of beer, prosecco, cold drinks and ice cream.
However, while hundreds of racegoers will enjoy fine dining in the new Rogan & Co trackside pop up, as well as the refurbished Louis Roederer Restaurant, others are expected to tuck into thousands of portions of fish and chips - an afternoon favourite at Cartmel.
Following seven exciting races, attention will move to the concert itself with chart-topper Sophie Ellis-Bextor taking to the stage at 6pm.
Next, The Fly Boys will put a vintage swing twist on a host of modern tracks before headline act Sir Cliff Richard fills the Cartmel valley with sound from approximately 8pm.
And to make sure concert-goers are able to get home as swiftly as possible, Network Rail will run a later train from nearby Cark-in-Cartmel Station at 10.20pm with double the usual number of carriages available.
The entire stage, backstage area and concert seating will be removed on Saturday in time for a full day of racing on course on Sunday, June 30.
Steve Cooper, managing director of Holker Racing and Leisure, said his core team of eight staff based at the course all year round would increase to an army of more than 500 on concert day.
“It’s incredible to watch the building of a stadium-style stage to fill the Cartmel Valley with the sound of world-class artists in a matter of hours. It’s something the construction team have got down to a fine art.
“It’s certainly a very exciting day and one we all look forward to - particularly as the sun is set to shine down on us all again this year.”
Tickets are available to purchase online from cartmel-racecourse.co.uk until midnight on Thursday 27.
The course adopted an e-ticketing system this year so racegoers can print out their ticket or display it for entry via their phone.
Tickets will also be available on the day for those who decide to make the most of the fine weather and enjoy horse racing and live music in a spectacular setting.
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