A new day in the York Racecourse calendar, Saturday 28 June, will feature racing of pattern quality and a music artist of some reputation.

On the racecourse itself, the action will see seven thoroughbred contests with combined prize money of £300,000, featuring the Group Three Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Criterion Stakes. This seven-furlong contest may identify a winner for the new Group One contest over the same distance, that will form part of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival on Saturday 23 August.

Delighted to be back performing at York Racecourse, Olly Murs, will be the first headline act for what will be the first of three Music and Racing events in 2025.Olly will star on a Glastonbury scale stage, as he plays after the sporting action.

The Knavesmire gig will form part of a busy touring schedule for a man who found the nation’s hearts through X Factor and remains one of the most popular performers of his generation. Still making fresh music, hits like Troublemaker, Dear Darlin’ and Heart Skips a Beat will ensure a fun afternoon,

A range of musical tastes will be catered for as Flat Cap Brass will be on the Edwardian Weighing Room Lawn, with The Monotones performing an upbeat selection of classic covers from the Churchill Tyes Stage, both before Olly.

There is a host of additional entertainment, a 360-selfie camera, the new living flower wall as well as trips to the start in the company of a Grand National winning rider.

It is the first time that racegoers at this fixture have been able to use the award-winning Bustardthorpe Development, enjoy the Churchill Tyres Lawn, Theakston or Guinness Bars to wash down some fresh, local Fish ‘n’ Chips.

The refreshed look continues with new Guinness and Prosecco Bars plus a host of new casual dining offers, from burritos or nachos through to the more traditional range of deep filled Yorkshire Puddings or a “pie & beer” combo deal.

It promises to be a fun filled summer for racing and music fans as there are four other racedays scheduled for this popular time of year; the traditional highlight of the 66th John Smith’s Cup Meeting (Friday 11 and Saturday 12 July) will be followed by the Music Showcase Weekend itself at the end of July.

Racing and music fans can take advantage of early bird deals, meaning entrance to the main Grandstand and Paddock enclosure, starts at just £40 per person for a group of six.*  As well as free car parking, there are no booking fees. 

James Brennan, Head of Marketing and Sponsorship said, “It is great news that Olly Murs, a performer who wowed the crowds on his previous visits here, will be performing for us, it will herald a month for music and racing fans to remember.