HAYDOCK Park Racecourse will open its doors to crowds without restrictions for the first time in 18 months when its three-day Rose of Lancaster Carnival begins next Friday.

Kicking off on the evening of Friday, August 6, racegoers will be treated to some top quality entertainment both on and off the track, including a Ronan Keating concert, a celebrity-judged Style Awards and a fun day for families and children.

After Friday's seven races, Ronan Keating will take to the stage at 8.25pm, performing the first live music concert at the racecourse in over two years.

Selling over 45 million records worldwide, both as co-lead singer of Boyzone and as a solo artist, Keating is guaranteed to bring a much-needed sing-along back to the racecourse.

The Mansionbet Rose Of Lancaster Stakes headlines the Saturday events of races, which includes a Group Three contest staged over an extended 10 furlongs - frequently a great pointer to future success at the highest level of racing.

Ensuring the weekend is packed out with activities and chances to win some cash, a £500 Liverpool One voucher is among the prizes on offer at the Style Awards - judged by Hollyoaks actress Lauren McQueen, model and presenter Rosie Tapner and influencer Frankie Foster.

Liverpool-based band The Wickermen will also be playing live after the last race on Saturday, performing a selection of classic rock and pop songs.

On Sunday, August 8 the racecourse plays host to the second fixture in the Sky Bet Sunday Series - a new initiative to stage racing during a “twilight” slot on Sundays.

The seven-race card starts at 3.55pm and finishes at 6.40pm, with the emphasis very much on a fun day out for all the family and a vast array of free activities to enjoy.

Among the entertainment on offer will be fairground rides, a bouncy castle and face painting, while children’s TV character BING will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day.

Racing to School will also be on hand to provide young racegoers with the opportunity to put on some jockey silks and practice their riding skills on a mechanical racehorse simulator called an Equicizer, as well as answering any racing related questions.

Dickon White, North West Regional Director for The Jockey Club, said: “Everyone from our regular racegoers to families in the local area who love a day out have been so incredibly patient during the pandemic and we can’t wait to welcome them back to Haydock Park for the Rose of Lancaster Carnival.

“Each of the three days will be different and with such fantastic racing on the track and a wide range of entertainment across the site we’ve got something for everyone.”

It is recommended tickets are booked in advance by visiting https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/haydock/events-tickets/ .