Family fun as Chester Racecourse hosts 'Roman Day'
Above, you can enjoy a selection of photos taken at the event.
The line-up at Roman Day, which was free for those aged 17 and younger, also included Roman stunt shows, archery, bootcamp challenges, inflatable slides and a bungee run.
There were birds of prey, a pop-up play village, and craft camp, as well as a heritage festival, camp curiosity, racing to school, and performances from arts organisation and charity foundation, AmaSing.
Chester Racecourse said: "What a day!
"From non-stop fun on the Open Course, meeting our equine ambassador Dieu Vivant, to thrilling racing and all the fantastic Roman-themed excitement — it's been a great day on the Roodee!
"Thank you to everyone who joined us for Roman Day.
"We can't wait to welcome you back soon for our next fixtures: The White Oak UK Friday Social and The Saturday Social on June 13 and 14."
Winners at yesterday's races, held from 1.35pm to 5.35pm, were Noche Clasica, Myal, Tricky Tel, State Legend, Dream Harder, Sea Emily Run, War Hawk, and Topteam.
The event followed a record-breaking Boodles May Festival, which saw attendance figures up by 11 per cent on last year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
8 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
ScotRail saw busiest week of 2025 as Oasis played in Scotland
Almost two million people travelled on Scotland's railways recently, with many attending the concerts at Murrayfield Stadium as well as various festivals in Edinburgh, including the Fringe. Music fans descended on the rail network as Noel and Liam Gallagher prepared to play three shows in Scotland after getting back together and going on tour for the first time since Oasis disbanded in 2009. Around 328,000 commuters packed onto trains on Friday, August 8, to see the Mancunian rockers. The rail operator noted that this is a 19 per cent increase in passenger numbers compared with the same day last year. We previously reported that huge queues had been spotted spilling out of Glasgow Queen Street station on August 8 as concert goers eagerly waited to board services to the capital. READ NEXT: Huge queues lined out Glasgow station ahead of Oasis gig On Saturday, August 9, around 327,000 people travelled by train across the country. ScotRail stated that those were the busiest days on its network since December 14, traditionally the weekend when most Christmas parties and nights out take place. The last of Oasis' Scottish gigs took place on Tuesday, August 12, and delivered a further boost in numbers. This meant that from the week of Friday, August 8, 1,995,000 people travelled on ScotRail services. Ahead of the sold-out run of gigs at Murrayfield, extra trains and seats were put on by ScotRail to accommodate fans. Rail staff were also seen getting into the spirit of things, with some donning special Oasis-themed bucket hats and posing for photos with customers. READ NEXT: Date revealed when Cineworld Glasgow will close doors Additional services will continue to run as people travel to and from the Edinburgh Festivals up until August 25. David Ross, ScotRail chief operating officer, said: 'This week once again confirms that ScotRail is increasingly the travel mode of choice for people going to large events in Scotland. 'The fact that we've just delivered the busiest week of 2025 so far shows how important large concerts and events are to our business and the Scottish economy. 'Our frontline staff once again delivered an excellent service for almost two million customers who chose to travel with ScotRail.' Next week, rock superstars AC/DC will be taking to the stage at Murrayfield on Thursday, August 21. Fans heading to the show are being advised that extra services and seats have also been added for this gig. For further information, visit ScotRail's website HERE.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
I got into the secret areas of Disney World – including hidden underground tunnels and going on rides without queuing
And a guide reveals the shocking thing guests do at the Haunted Mansion PARK UP I got into the secret areas of Disney World – including hidden underground tunnels and going on rides without queuing Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) As a Disney parks super fan, there is one thing I've had on my list for years – The Keys to the Kingdom Tour. This five-hour walking tour through the Magic Kingdom in Orlando is a chance for guests to go behind the scenes on rides, learn secrets about the park, deep-dive into the history and even get the chance to visit the famous 'utilidors' – the backstage tunnels that run under the park. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Visitors can go on a five-hour walking tour through the Magic Kingdom in Orlando Credit: Jenna Maxwell Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here I've been lucky enough to have been visiting Walt Disney World since I was eight and my fascination with Disney and other theme parks has continued to grow. The Magic Kingdom Park opened in 1971, just four years after the death of Walt Disney and was completed by his older brother, Roy. There is so much magic and mystery surrounding the park and fans love to speculate on how things are run behind the scenes. I had an Orlando trip planned with my family this July and, of course, this included a three-day Disney trip. As I had a big birthday this year, I decided to treat myself to the tour which costs between $149-$169 (£109.92-£124.67) per person, plus tax and separate admission is required. Bookings are made using the chat function on the My Disney Experience app. You must be at least 16-years-old to join the tour, presumably so that small children don't have nightmares after seeing Mickey Mouse without his head. My tour began at 8am which also meant 'rope dropping' the park - aka being one of the first to enter – always an exciting way to start the day. Our group met at Town Square Theatre, just steps away from the main gate. Disney announces brand new theme park We collected name badges, a listening device and as many bottles of water as we could carry to stay hydrated in the Florida heat. We also selected our lunch which is included. Lunch was at the New England-themed Columbian Harbour House in Liberty Town Square, so it had to be a lobster roll for me. Our tour guide, Scott, was a joy to listen to. It was clear from the moment he greeted us that he truly loves the parks and all things Disney. Originally from Boston, Scott explained that he started his Disney career at a young age and originally worked on the famous Jungle Cruise ride as a 'skipper' – the team members who steer the boats and regale guests with many jokes along the way. Scott left Orlando and completed a theatre degree but was once again drawn back to the magic and has worked for Disney ever since. We started off our tour in Main Street USA, which is known as the 'opening credits' to the park. Scott pointed out all the fun nods to some of the contributors to the park, such as designers and artists, displayed as proprietors in the Main Street shop windows. Things that most guests would walk by without a second thought all have meaning in the Magic Kingdom and Scott explained how every last detail has been thought out – from the positioning of the trees to the colour of the pavements - even the smells. 6 The tour includes behind the scenes on rides and learning secrets about the park Credit: Jenna Maxwell Walt Disney once used the term 'weenie' to describe things to pull the attention of guests – Cinderella's Castle being the main 'weenie' to get you down Main Street. Just like a dog would follow a hot dog weenie. Our first chance to go 'backstage' just off main street didn't disappoint. Here we saw where all the parade vehicles are stored and maintained. We couldn't learn about Disney World without tackling some of the rides. Our group was treated to a private tour on the iconic Jungle Cruise with Scott stepping back into his skipper shoes and giving us some intel on the attraction. We learned how deep the water really is and why it's the colour of rust (shhh it's to hide the shallow depth and underwater animatronics). We also learned the fun story of how the ride came to be. 6 And the tour gets insights from park experts as well Credit: Jenna Maxwell Although it's now famous for its corny jokes, originally the ride was a lot more factual until Walt Disney himself stepped in. He noticed on the original Disney Land version in California that guests were all queuing for one boat in particular. It turned out that the 'skipper' on board would tell loads of jokes mixed in with the facts and the guests loved it. So, jokes were added to the script and that's the version that made its way to Orlando. We also stopped by the classic Haunted Mansion, where Scott told us how many of the 'ghost' effects are achieved and then we were allowed to bypass the queue and take a ride ourselves, looking out for some telltale signs we'd learned. As a proper theme park geek, I had some questions that Scott was more than happy to answer. I'd heard a rumour about families scattering loved ones' ashes on the Haunted Mansion ride to ensure they become one of the 'happy haunts' of the attraction. Scott confirmed that this is 100 per cent true and is a huge headache for the cast members when it happens – usually about once a month. 6 Secrets are even shared including that families will spread loved ones ashes on one ride Credit: Getty "The whole ride needs to be shut down and decontaminated. "There are cameras everywhere and we see everything so please don't do it," he said. The highlight of the tour for most of us was getting to go into the famous utilidors. These are secret tunnels that run under the Magic Kingdom and are some of the world's largest utility corridors. They allow employees to travel quickly around the park without being seen by guests, so they don't ruin the illusion – this is especially important for costumed characters. It was particularly cool to catch a glimpse of the costume room, where every costume in all Disney parks across the world are made to ensure consistency. So, if you ever see Tiana in Disneyland Paris or Hong Kong Disneyland, know that her outfit was made in Orlando, directly beneath the Magic Kingdom. 6 And visitors geta glimpse of the costume room too Credit: Alamy Being in the famous tunnels was amazing and Scott gave us a fantastic history tour of the tunnels and the park itself, including the creation of Disney Land in California, Walt's death and the history of the company – it even got a bit emotional at some points. At the end of the tour there was a chance to ask any last minute questions and we were all presented with a lovely golden key badge to mark the occasion. For big Disney fans like me, this tour is a must. I just wish I had done it sooner. How many Disney locations are there around the world? DISNEY parks are located in several countries around the world. Here's the list of countries with Disney parks: United States Disneyland Resort (Anaheim, California) Walt Disney World Resort (Orlando, Florida) France Disneyland Paris (Marne-la-Vallée, near Paris) Japan Tokyo Disney Resort (Urayasu, near Tokyo) China Shanghai Disney Resort (Shanghai) Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (Hong Kong) Holidays to Disney World are also expected to be cheaper this year, with a 'first-of-its-kind' discount for kids. Plus, one man has been to Disney theme parks more than 50 times and has revealed the free hack that can save you hundreds on holiday.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Hundreds of Taylor Swift fans 'running' to Home Bargains for 'beautiful' £6 item
The retailer has delighted Swifties with the 'themed' products that 'elevate your living space' Taylor Swift fans might think their 'Wildest Dreams' have come true after seeing Home Bargains' £6 range. The retailer is stocking a selection of 'beautiful' coffee table photo albums that have seriously impressed Swifites. Whether shoppers prefer the ' This Is Our Era' album or the 'It's A Love Story' album, fans might need to be quick. TikTok user @Ashleighmoneysaver said Swifties should 'run' for the range after spotting the photo albums during a Home Bargains trip. Ashleigh told her 250,000 followers: "Swifties, you need to run, not walk, straight to Home Bargains. "Look what I've just found for just £5.99. Their coffee table-style albums. There are two different styles. The beige says, 'This is our era', and the grey says, 'It's a love story.' Fill them with your own photos and memories, or just leave them as a beautiful coffee table book for a fraction of the cost. In-store now at Home Bargains." The message was echoed by @Cayleywilders who also told Swifties to 'run to Home Bargains for these Taylor-themed coffee table albums', when she spotted them in her local store. Once more, her post proved popular with fans, earning over 4,000 likes and receiving lots of comments from excited shoppers. "What an absolute find! And just £5.99 too", praised Cayley. A keen shopper replied: "I'm gonna have to get them." Another commenter shared: "I've been to 7 home bargains looking for the grey one." For those who prefer online shopping, the coffee table albums are also available on Home Bargains' website. The retailer suggests: "A coffee table photo album is a tasteful combination of design, craftsmanship, and personal history. It transforms your living space into a gallery of treasured moments. "Whether you place it in your living room, study, or any other communal area, this album adds a touch of sentiment and elegance to your home, elevating the ambience and inviting conversation, connection, and joy." The product description for first album says: "Elevate your living space with the "This Is Our Era" Coffee Table Album! This elegant photo album combines stunning design and craftsmanship, turning your treasured moments into a beautiful gallery that sparks joy and conversation." The product description for the second album adds: "Showcase your cherished memories with the It's A Love Story Coffee Table Album! This elegant piece not only beautifies your space but also invites heartfelt conversations, turning your home into a gallery of love and nostalgia." Swifties might also like the retailer's £1.49 Beaded Bracelets or the £9.99 Juicy Couture Chains & Charms Making Set, which has been reduced from £14.99. The set could be ideal for fans keen to make friendship bracelets. The product description says: "Get your creative juices flowing with the Juicy Couture Chains & Charms Making Set! "This fun DIY kit is packed with colourful charms, trendy chains, and all the goodies you need to craft unique jewellery pieces that showcase your personal style."
