THE traditional Cartmel Races is being held on Saturday, August 24 and Bank Holiday Monday so we are turning the clock back to the summer meetings held 20 and 25 years ago.

A highlight of Saturday’s races likely to be the Cartmel Cup.

Entertainment at the Park View course starts at 10am, with the first race scheduled for 2.10pm.

A quarter-century ago, The Mail, on Monday, August 29 in 1994, noted: "The unique atmosphere of Cartmel Races drew punters from all over the region on Saturday as thousands flocked to the picturesque course.

"Watery sunshine and a blustery wind kept the crowd figures slightly down but those who turned up saw an excellent day's racing.

"But it's not just the six races that entertained the crowd at Cartmel.

"You can have a great time there and not come within 500 yards of a horse.

"There's dozens of stalls selling everything from bed linen to printed T-shirts, enough beer fill a small lake and a funfair to test your skill, nerve and your ability to keep your lunch down."

Clerk of the course Charles Barnett said: "It's a very special atmosphere here.

"It's not like any other racecourse in the country."

There was just as much fun at the summer race meeting 20 years ago.

The Mail, on Monday, August 30 in 1999, described how bumper crowd of around 16,000 enjoyed the racing on Saturday.

It noted: "Thousands had come to enjoy a sunshine-packed day - and they certainly came prepared.

"One family set up their own marquee, complete with plastic chairs and tables, bigger than your average Barrow sitting-room.

"Others dined in equally elegant styles. Out of their woven picnic hampers came crystal glasses - twinkling in the sun as they were lifted to be topped up with wine.

"For others, a coolbox and a couple of tinnies would do.

"The buzz of excitement as the first race got underway competed with the shrieks and screams of children enjoying the thrills of the fairground rides.

"The huge field in the top race, the 3.35pm, created a stir.

"Top jockey Brendan Powell stood by the jumps to watch the mighty three-mile steeplechase.

"Track favourite - the light grey Better Times Ahead - stole the lead to thunderous applause."