A family fun day kicks off the return of the Warwick May Racing Carnival at Warwick Racecourse for its second year.

The Kids Carnival Day on Bank Holiday Monday (May 1) will feature a raft of family focussed entertainment and activities throughout the day. 

The free entertainment will include pony rides, a bungee run, carnival slide, bouncy castle, horse simulator, sumo suits, total wipeout, face painting, along with a popular mascot race.

Chase, from TV show Paw Patrol, will also be making a special appearance at the racecourse.

A large crowd is expected for the Carnival opener, with children aged 17 and under entering for free and the gates opening at 11.30am, ahead of seven races on the track starting from 1.30pm.

The Kids Carnival Day will be quickly followed by the Think Pink Ladies Night (Saturday, May 13) and the Proudly Warwick Celebration Day (Thursday, May 25).

The inaugural May Racing Carnival attracted a big increase in attendances across the three racedays, and Warwick Racecourse is hoping for more of the same.

General Manager Andre Klein said: “Following last year’s incredibly successful Warwick May Racing Carnival we knew we had to bring it back again for 2017.

“Warwick Racecourse attracted a record number of racegoers in 2016 and without doubt the launch of the Warwick May Racing Carnival was a contributing factor to this success.

“We have made sure that these events appeal to a wide range of people, giving everyone an opportunity to enjoy a day out here and sample the brilliant race day experience we offer at the racecourse.

“The team has worked hard to organise some great entertainment for the The Kids Carnival Day, which should be a great family occasion. Entry is free for all children aged 17 and under and we’re hoping to see lots of families join us.”

For advance tickets, available from £12.50, or hospitality packages go to www.warwickracecourse.co.uk or call 01926 405 560.

Centre course mini marquees are available to book for all three May Racing Carnival days. The mini marquee package includes a private 3x3 mini marquee, two outdoor tables, 10 outdoor chairs, with picket fencing, five race cards and 10 admission tickets. This area of the course is bring your own food and drink, although a cash bar is close by and also food vendors. Tickets cost £40 per person (minimum of ten people).

PICTURE: Warwick Racecourse is joined by Warwickshire Horse Carriages and ponies from Wedgnock Stables ahead of the Kids Carnival Day. Picture courtesy of DW Pratt Racing Photography