EXCITEMENT is building in anticipation of one of Cumbria's biggest outdoor events as a record number of tickets are sold.

Cartmel Racecourse is preparing to hold its first meeting of 2016 with a music showcase weekend and some great racing set to take place.

The weather forecast for the May bank holiday weekend is currently predicted to be a scorcher, with temperatures in the Lake District above 20 degrees.

The meeting on Saturday  has proved especially popular as it will feature pop sensations Simply Red, who will play roughly half an hour after the first race. Sunday afternoon will host Jools Holland and on bank holiday Monday there will be another full day's racing and fun for all the family.

Cartmel Racecourse's managing director Jonathan Garratt said: "We have never sold such a high number of tickets in advance as we have done for the Saturday meeting. Everyone is really excited for Simply Red and I think it will be one of Cartmel's busiest days ever!

"We usually sell a lot of tickets on the door for race days but we really don't have many left for Saturday's meeting. People wanting to pay on the gate will have to arrive early as it will be first come first serve!"

The racecourse staff have already liaised with National Rail to organise extra carriages on trains travelling to Barrow and Lancaster for Saturday  and they will be coordinated to leave at the end of the Simply Red performance.

Mr Garratt and his head groundsman Gary Share are very pleased with the condition of the track which has been pronounced 'good' by Clerk of the Course Anthea Morshead last Sunday. This ground could cause a conundrum for ladies when deciding on footwear, as it is always tricky to know whether or not to wear heels or boots. Mr Garratt said: "As far as fashion advice goes I would recommend a hat and sun glasses and lots of sun cream. We are expecting warm weather but there is no dress code and it's always advisable to pack your rain coat and wellies for Cartmel!"

Cartmel and England champion jockey Richard Johnson will be riding and there are some exciting races to look out for, including the Oakmere Homes Handicap Hurdle on Saturday, which is a class two race with £20,000 prize money, and the Grand Veterans Steeple Chase on Monday. The veterans race is sponsored by Rowleys, who cater all of the racing events and is expected to attract some well-known older horses.

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