Free entry to under-18s at Scottish racecourses

Scotland’s racecourses are to bring festive cheer to the country during the Christmas holidays this year, with a number of special festive days out – and under-18s are admitted completely free of charge.

Participating racecourses include Kelso, which races on 29 December; Musselburgh, which opens its gates on 1 and 3 January; and Ayr on 2 January.

These fixtures all form a part of Great British Racing’s Under-18s Race Free initiative, which sees racecourses across the UK offering free entry to accompanied under-18s, providing a fun family day out at a cost that won’t break the bank. Over the Christmas Holidays alone, there are 48 family-friendly racedays taking place offering free entry to under-18s, with festive entertainment this year including carol singing, visits from Father Christmas and his reindeer, funfair rides and even an animatronic polar bear!

Highlights in Scotland include New Year’s Raceday at Ayr Racecourse (Thursday 2nd January), which will feature a touch of Ceilidh for the very first time, with super band The Stereobeats performing live after racing and playing a range of ceilidh tunes and classic hits for racegoers to celebrate the start of the New Year. Advanced adult tickets start from £23, with accompanied under 18s being admitted free of charge.

Meanwhile, on New Year’s Day at Musselburgh Racecourse – which is a five star visitor attraction located just six miles outside of Edinburgh – the day will be filled with great racing, live entertainment, heated marquees, a winter fashion competition and plenty of festive food and drink. Accompanied under-18s are again admitted free of charge, with advanced adult tickets priced from £30.

Earlier this year, Great British Racing shared research divulging that more than 80% of parents feel that cost prevents their children from participating in activities outdoors. A day at the races delivers fresh air, exercise and excitement and, through the Under-18s Race Free campaign, affordability for families.

Toby Shaw, director of communications and marketing at Great British Racing, said: “We know that parents find it hard to find affordable family days out during the school holidays, so we want to highlight our Under 18s-Race Free campaign and to make sure that families are aware about the great racedays on offer to them, all over the country this Christmas.

‘There are very few occasions that offer spectacular sporting action, additional entertainment and free entry to under-18s, so this is something that we’re immensely proud to shout about.”

To find out more, visit under18sracefree.com.

TAGS

FOLLOW US