CROWDS are to be welcomed back to Chester Racecourse this month for the first time since 2019, for this year's Roman Day.

The traditional family-friendly Roman Day will be held on Saturday, May 29, and the racecourse has confirmed it will be the first fixture this year with a racing crowd, with tickets on sale now.

It will be followed two weeks later by the Summer Saturday meeting on June 12.

A number of Covid measures will be in place to keep spectators safe, and the crowd numbers for both meetings have been limited to 4,000 – some way down from the 25,000 capacity.

But Andrew Morris, director of racing at Chester Racecourse, has welcomed the positive step in the right direction and is hopeful crowds will be able to return to normal size for the June 25-26 race meetings.

He said: "We are really looking forward to welcoming back visitors to our May 29 and June 12 meetings.

“This will be limited capacity in accordance with government guidelines but it promises to be a unique and very special experience for everyone who does attend. We will be offering spectators a first-class view of the track to enjoy racing at The Roodee for the first time this year.

“Covid-safe measures will be in place, including sanitiser stations across the course and ample space for social distancing to be maintained.

“This is definitely a step in the right direction and we look forward to the lifting of further restrictions hopefully on June 21 and welcoming back full capacity visitors to our magnificent racecourse!”

For the May 29 and June 12 events, access to indoor facilities will be restricted and all food and drink is to be consumed outdoors unless spectators have a booked table within a designated hospitality facility. A selection of quality food and drink will be on offer from the racecourse bars and food vendors.

The Open Course is currently closed and all attendees, including children, must purchase a general admission or hospitality ticket.

People booking will be limited to a maximum of six tickets, as per Government Covid guidelines. Strict social distancing will be in place throughout the racecourse.

Roman Day will see seven races take place from 2.05pm on May 29.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.chester-races.com/