Chester Racecourse prepares for final raceday of 2026 season
Chester Racecourse will bring its 2026 season to a close on Saturday with an afternoon of racing followed by a live Massaoke performance on the Open Course.
By Chester Standard
Chester Racecourse will bring its 2026 racing season to a close on Saturday, September 19, with a final afternoon of racing followed by live entertainment.
The Season Finale will be the last opportunity to watch racing at the Roodee this year before the winter break.
Gates will open at midday, with a full programme of races taking place throughout the afternoon.
Once the racing has finished, attention will turn to the Open Course, where live band singalong experience Massaoke will perform as part of the end-of-season celebrations.
The performance combines a live band with lyrics displayed on a giant screen, allowing the crowd to sing along to well-known songs spanning several decades.
Racecourse organisers are also working with hospitality businesses across Chester to encourage visitors to continue their evening in the city after leaving the Roodee.
Participating venues are expected to offer a selection of discounts and specially created cocktails for racegoers as part of the wider Season Finale celebrations.
Steve Davies, chief operating officer at Chester Race Company, said the final fixture provided an opportunity to celebrate the season and thank visitors for their support throughout the year.
He said the event traditionally had a strong sense of occasion, with people attending for the racing as well as the social atmosphere and entertainment after the final race.
The finale brings to an end another season at one of Britain’s most distinctive racecourses.
Chester’s Roodee is widely recognised as the oldest racecourse still in operation in the world, with racing at the site dating back to the 16th century.
Its city-centre location also means major fixtures can bring additional visitors into Chester’s shops, restaurants, bars and hotels, something organisers are seeking to build on through this year’s collaboration with local hospitality venues.
The Massaoke performance will begin after the final race and forms part of the racecourse admission for the Season Finale.
Tickets remain available through the Chester Racecourse website.