York Racecourse is preparing for the return of its annual Music Showcase Weekend, with headline performances, summer fun, and hopefully some sunshine!
In the venue’s first ever “double-header” concert, racegoers can relax into the weekend with Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Natasha Bedingfield taking to the Glastonbury-scale stage on Friday night.
Just under 24 hours later, Ronan Keating will bring his pop-hits to the crowd, following another top afternoon of racing on Saturday (26 July).
With a musical career spanning over 25-years, Sophie Ellis-Bextor has earned five Top 10 albums and eight Top 10 singles, including ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’, ‘Take Me Home’, ‘Get Over You’, and ‘Heartbreak (Make Me a Dancer)’.
Her single ‘Freedom of the Night’, marks a return to her distinctive sound, a blend of pop, disco, and dance. Her latest single is ‘Taste’.
Following its feature in the final scene of Emerald Fennell’s film Saltburn, her 2001 hit ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ saw a huge resurgence, charting at #2 in the UK Singles Chart, #58 In the Billboard Top 100, and reaching over 11 billion global streams.
Natasha Bedingfield has sold more than 10 million albums and also earned multiple award nominations, including a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Her 2004 anthem ‘Unwritten’ enjoyed an impressive comeback last year, re-entering the UK Top 20 and earning a place in the Spotify Billions Club.
The charting was timely, as 2024 also marked the 20th anniversary of the song. Other chart-toppers include ‘Pocket Full Of Sunshine’ and her UK #1 single ‘These Words’.
The Knavesmire gig is one of many this summer for Ronan Keating, who rose to fame with Boyzone. The band together delivered 16 Top 5 singles, including six number ones.
Solo hits like ‘Love Me For A Reason’, ‘When You Say Nothing At All’, ‘Life Is A Rollercoaster’, as well as ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’, will ensure a feel-good Saturday afternoon for racegoers.
Across the racecourse, visitors can enjoy a variety of live music, from jazz to pop covers, at locations including the Churchill Tyres Stage.
Visitor favourite photo spots like the traditional selfie wall will return, joined by a 360-degree selfie camera offering fun and free mementos.
Ahead of the racing on both days, the ‘Punters’ Panel’ will take place at the winner’s podium, as a preview to the action.
As part of initiatives to bring fans closer to the sport, guests can enjoy complimentary guided trips to the round course starts, conducted by Gold Cup-winning jockey Robert Earnshaw.
On Saturday, racegoers will also have the chance to meet Remy, York Racecourse’s retired racehorse ambassador, thanks to equine charity New Beginnings.
Picnics are welcome in the Clocktower Enclosure, and under-18s go free when accompanied by an adult.
This year will also host new Guinness and Kylie Minogue Wine Bars, plus many new casual dining offers. These range from burritos and nachos, through to deep filled Yorkshire Puddings or a “pie & beer” combo deal.
General Admission deals allow entrance to the main Grandstand and Paddock enclosure from £40 per person, for a group of six.
Car parking is free, and there are no booking fees.
