A grand celebration of everything that is great about Market Rasen is to take place at the Lincolnshire town’s racecourse in February.

‘Love Market Rasen Raceday’, sponsored by Market Rasen Town Council, is on Sunday 17th February. The ‘Love Market Rasen’ theme will resonate through events in the town for the rest of the year.

The first Sunday racing day of 2019 will rejoice in all that is wonderful about the local community. Visitors will be able to enjoy a range of activities and entertainment facilitated by local businesses, services and community groups whilst taking in the excitement and thrills of a day at the races. 

There will be a large exhibition marking the rich history of Market Rasen town, MiniKicks football, golf lessons by professionals from Market Rasen golf course, a comprehensive agricultural machinery display to be enjoyed by the whole family, a pop-up market and a demonstration by West Wolds U3A (University of the Third Age).

Schools are also getting involved in the big day. Market Rasen Primary School Literature and De Aston School Art Competition Finals will take place.

Councillor John Matthews, Chairman, Market Rasen Town Council, said:

“Market Rasen Town Council is delighted to join forces with West Lindsey District Council to help promote and sponsor this wonderful community raceday. Market Rasen Racecourse is an integral part of the town attracting huge quantities of visitors into our economy, to the shops, eateries, pubs and accommodation providers.

“This initiative not only displays the desire to involve the people and businesses of the town with the racecourse but also gives an underlying message that the racecourse is an important part of the town and we are continuing the theme ‘Love Market Rasen’ in events throughout 2019.”

Nadia Powell, General Manager, Market Rasen Racecourse, said:

“We are inviting the people of Market Rasen to celebrate their racecourse, their town and their community. As a major Lincolnshire venue attracting visitors to our town, we are passionate about playing our part in the local economy and community. As well as a full programme of jump racing, lots of activities are being laid on for families to enjoy and so we are looking forward to a great day of sport and entertainment on Sunday,17th February.”

The gates of the racecourse will be open from 12.10pm. Racing is between 2.10pm and 4.50pm. Adult tickets are just £10 in advance (£15 on the day). Accompanied under 18s are admitted free of charge. Restaurant options are from £57 for adults and £43 for children over 12 – under 12s eat free of charge in the Brocklesby Suite when booked in advance with an adult meal. 

What is Market Rasen famous for …

• The place-name features in the Domesday Book of 1086 and the parish church dates to Norman times
• The town sustained an earthquake, measuring 5.2 on the Richter Scale, in February 2008.
• A post-war record crowd of 14,136 attended the town’s racecourse for an evening of racing and a concert by Jess Glynne in August 2016.
• The late Oscar-nominated songwriter and Heatwave band member Rod Temperton was educated in the town.
• The River Rase flows through the town and has three bridges across it.
• The town newspaper, the Market Rasen Mail, was founded in 1856.