EYE-catching fascinators, stylish dresses and tweed galore – Cheltenham Festival is back in full force for day two of racing.
Attendees braved the chilly weather in stylish ensembles for Style Wednesday, after the Gloucestershire racecourse changed the name from Ladies Day.
With the drinks flowing and the snow no longer falling, racegoers are making the most of their thrilling day of horse racing.
There’s also been some celebrity spotting to be had with royal style queens Zara Tindall, 43, and Princess Eugenie, 34, in matching burgundy.
They are joined by their husbands, former rugby champion Mike Tindall, 46, and businessman Jack Brooksbank, 38, who looked smart in suits.
Queen Camilla, 77, arrived in high spirits and was wrapped up in a brown coat and snug hat.
In true Cheltenham fashion, fashion-savvy racegoers have certainly not held back with their headwear, with many showcasing eye-popping fascinators and bold hats.
Ever since Queen Victoria reigned and visited the racecourse in the 1830s wearing a hat, women have paraded their best looks at the races.
Ladies Day was traditionally held on day two of Cheltenham Festival – but the centuries-old tradition was scrapped last year in a gender-neutral rebrand.
There were also a couple of changes in terms of the dress code – with people now encouraged to not only look for high-end fashion but also outfits put together for cheaper.
The awards panel also celebrates ‘slow fashion’, which includes vintage outfits, or those put together from charity shops or online resellers.
Meanwhile, men are also able to enter the best-dressed contest.
The Slow Fashion Style Awards are open from 10.30am to 2.30pm to all racegoers – who must head to the Style Pod in the Plaza to have their picture taken.
In 2024, a Cheltenham Racecourse spokesperson said: “This year we re-launched day two of The Festival as Style Wednesday to celebrate ‘fast horses, slow fashion’, encouraging racegoers to make more sustainable fashion choices, showcasing their unique and personal style, and to share the stories behind their amazing outfits with friends, family and on social media.
“This includes re-wearing outfits they already have in their wardrobes, purchasing timeless garments to wear again and again and also buying from retailers specialising in pre-loved clothing.”
Around 250,000 Cheltenham fans are expected to flock to the famous Gloucestershire racecourse for the four-day racing event, with day one kicking off in style.
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham racecourse has hosted racing since 1815 and is one of the highlights in the racing calendar.
This year the Cheltenham Festival started on Tuesday March 11 and will run until Friday March 14.
St Patrick’s Day is the focus for the third day and Gold Cup Day is on Friday.
Why has Ladies Day been scrapped at Cheltenham Festival?
CHELTENHAM'S Ladies Day event on day two of racing is now known as Style Wednesday - and it's open to both men and women.
A Cheltenham Racecourse spokesperson said in 2024: “This year we re-launched day two of The Festival as Style Wednesday to celebrate ‘fast horses, slow fashion’, encouraging racegoers to make more sustainable fashion choices, showcasing their unique and personal style, and to share the stories behind their amazing outfits with friends, family and on social media.
“This includes re-wearing outfits they already have in their wardrobes, purchasing timeless garments to wear again and again and also buying from retailers specialising in pre-loved clothing.”