What time does Northumberland Plate Day start? Newcastle Racecourse to welcome huge crowds

Large crowds are expected at Newcastle Racecourse on Saturday for the big one - Northumberland Plate Day. And if you're going along, there are some key timings you'll need to be aware of.

One of the most highly anticipated dates in Newcastle's racing and social calendar, Plate Day is always a huge draw, as thousands of Geordies dress to the nines for a day of drinking, betting and hoping some celebrating after a few big wins. If you've ever been to Plate Day before, you'll know that it's an early start and this year will be no different, with plenty of opportunity to socialise, before the jockeys get on their horses for the first race.

With plenty of food on drink on offer at Newcastle Racecourse throughout the day, you can make sure you're well fed and watered before you have a flutter and, with the forecast for Saturday not looking too bad at all, there should be no need for any umbrellas this time round, unlike in previous years, when Mother Nature has been far from kind.

READ MORE: Plate Day dress code for Newcastle Racecourse event

Get all the latest TV and showbiz news and gossip from Chronicle Live with our free newsletter

If you're going to Plate Day 2024, here are the key timings you need to be aware.

Northumberland Plate Day 2024 opening and first races times

Gates will open at the Racecourse at 11am and, if you get there a bit early, you can always pop into the The Border Minstrel pub, which is right next door.

The first race will go off at 1.35pm, with the last at 5.25pm.

There will be eight races in total and, after the final horse has been past the post, there will be live entertainment for all ticket holders, in the form of Hacienda Classical.