Big Foot Events were delighted to plan a season-long events programme for Newmarket Racecourse.
Our client asked us to design an events programme with themed race days throughout the season. The Racecourse wanted to provide a diverse range of exciting race days and activities that would appeal to different age groups and demographics. They sought to draw in new visitors and entertain returning guests to the racecourse for their race days by offering additional entertainment throughout the day.
From the first fence of the steeplechase, it was clear that we needed to design an events programme with a lot of variety. Our bespoke themed packages needed to fit to the client’s vision and match the brief. We needed to consider the health and safety aspect of hosting events in an open-air space with live animals. We also had to be wary of the weather conditions as all events would be taking place outside. Our client requested for us to provide entertainment that would not detract from the racing itself. The entertainment needed to enhance the fun and action of the day while the race remained the main focus. We aimed to add to the fun of the race day without overshadowing it. We also needed to consider that the client’s budget encompassed the whole season and would cover each themed day.
We collaborated with our client to create a selection of bespoke themed packages. We tailored the packages to the client’s requirements and guidelines. Our exciting themes ranger from ‘Superheroes’ and the ‘Roaring 20s’, to ‘Family Sports Day’ and ‘Here Comes Summer’! We ensured that all of the activities, performers, and props we provided were weather-proof. We kept an eye on the forecast ahead of time and took precautions to be able to make any necessary adjustments. Our entertainment aimed to enhance the race day of experience. We ensured that the focus remained on the racing itself. To ensure that the entertainment fit within the client’s budget, we proritised different aspects of the event package for each day. For days targeted towards children and families, we focused on creating fun and games. For adult-focused days, we prioritised musical entertainment, theming, and photo opportunities.
We created a wide-ranging selection of bespoke themed race day packages for Newmarket Racecourse. These exciting themes ranged from ‘Superheroes’ and the ‘Roaring 20s’, to ‘Family Sports Day’, ‘Carnival’, and ‘Here Comes Summer’!
We designed our first race day at Newmarket Racecourse on the 18th of June around the theme ‘Here Comes Summer’. We wanted to create a package that emanated the vibrant energy of a summer party partnered with a classy Ibiza-theme component.
For the perfect photo opportunity, we designed an allocated ‘Instagram area’. We adorned the area with a stunning Sequin Shimmer Wall, balmy Palm Tree Props, and stackable Illuminated Cube Seats. The event flourished with our fantastic summer-themed performers! Decadent Daffodil Ladies roamed the grounds alongside magnificent Ibiza White Party Stilt Walkers. Guests were entertained by a talented Bubble Performer and welcomed into the event with a glass of fizz from our beautiful White and Gold Champagne Dress Lady. We arranged musical entertainment for the race day with a roaming Ibiza Sax Player. Our gnarly Surf Simulator proved a popular entertainment choice for guests looking for a taste of summer fun.
Our second race day with Newmarket Racecourse was ‘Carnival’ themed on the 25th of June. The day was inspired by the spectacular visuals, costumes, and music of the Rio Carnival and Mardi Gras. Additionally, we included the fun and games of the circus!
Guests were invited to dress in the elaborate style of the Rio Carnival! For an stunning accessory, they could participate in a Brazilian Mask-Making Workshop. Children could visit the Glitter and Feathers Bar to create a fabulous ensemble! For fun and games, we provided Carnival Side Stalls, a High Striker, a Helter-Skelter, and a themed Bouncy Castle. A Percussion Band provided Brazilian samba beats to soundtrack the event. To decorate the grounds, we styled the area with Venetian masks, Ficus Plants, a Beach Backdrop, Palm Trees, Mardi Gras Image Boards, and a Christ The Redeemer Prop.
On the 23rd of July, we created a ‘Family Sports Day’. This race day was targeted towards children and families. Race day guests of all ages were welcomed to participate in Sports Day themed challenges. These included a Target Challenge, Basketball Challenge, Beat the Keeper, and Foot Darts. To add to the fun, we supplied an inflatable Obstacle Course, Rodeo Football, and Snowboard Simulator. Guests could also compete in Air-hockey and Table Football Games, race each other in a Sports Day race, and ride Pedal Go-karts.
We enjoyed another themed race day on the 30th of July with a ‘Roaring 20s’ theme. This event was refined and luxurious, intended to make racecourse guests feel like they were attending a high-end, classy Gatsby party!
Newmarket Racecourse welcomed guests on a Red Carpet with Paparazzi capturing their arrival. 1920s-themed entertainers performed Charleston-style choreography and were beautifully costumed with feathers and sparkles for the perfect photo opportunity. Guests could interact and have their photo taken with Movie Walkabout Characters, namely Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin. A stunning Giant Martini Glass with a glittering performer added opulence and glamour to the event. We decorated the grounds with lavish Props for the most immersive Gatsby experience! These included a Gatsby Logo, Golden Palm Tree Props, Art Deco Starbursts, a Giant Trumpet and Saxophone, and a Dollar Sign Prop.
Our last race day on the 6th of August was ‘Superheroes’ themed. We used our event-planning superpowers to bring this epic theme to life!
Character performers took on the roles of the Justice League, roaming the grounds as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. After superhero meet and greets, guests could take fantastic photos with Props of Batman, Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Superman. We hosted a Superhero-themed Arts and Crafts Bar where children could create their own superhero. Children were invited to attend an exciting Superhero Camp to learn how to save the day! They entered the camp as Superhero Apprentices and needed to courage to take on our It’s a Knock-out Assault Course and inflatable Slide to become fully-fledged Superheroes!
