Basket case: Newcastle Racecourse bans picnics
Newcastle attracts more than 20,000 people to meetings and says it is introducing the ban on picnics for all its 2015 fixtures bar one following a number of problems at events last year.
The venue’s management team said stopping people from spreading out rugs and eating in chairs would ease movement around the racecourse and increase visitors’ enjoyment.
Racegoers will instead be provided with a picnic site outside the racecourse but within the wider estate.
Executive director David Williamson said: “We have taken the decision not to allow picnics or picnic furniture into Newcastle Racecourse for all of our 2015 fixtures, with the exception of The Blaydon Races in August, to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all of our guests, which is our number one priority.
“At Ladies Day and Plate Day, which regularly attract in excess of 20,000 guests, a number of health and safety issues were highlighted to the racecourse executive, so to ensure the enjoyment of all those attending these popular fixtures and for ease of movement around the racecourse, we have taken the decision not to allow picnics in any enclosure.
“This is not a decision that has been made lightly and we hope that this change will allow us to continue to provide an enjoyable experience for all of our guests.
“In line with the change in policy, more seated areas and additional food outlets will be available in both enclosures for guests to use should they wish, and for those who wish to have a picnic before coming into the racecourse we will have a designated area within the estate where picnics can be had.”
Local racegoers have reacted angrily to the move.
Craigy White told the Newcastle Chronicle: “This has nothing to do with health and safety. It’s so you will pay top prices for their food at the course.”
And Joanne Harrison commented: “This is shocking. Picnics make part of a great day. I think a lot of people will stop going.”
