Newark Residents Day at Southwell Racecourse proves to be huge success
Hundreds of people saw a free night of racing in the first Newark Residents Day held at Southwell Racecourse.
Visitors basked in the afternoon sunshine on Friday and saw seven races during the evening, in an event jointly-run by the Advertiser.
Mr Olly Blundell, of Caldwell Drive, Newark, said he was pleased to get the opportunity to visit the racecourse for the first time.
"I've lived in Newark for 23 years and I've never been before. I think it's fantastic," he said.
"What a great opportunity it's been to do something different you wouldn't normally do on a Friday afternoon."
Mr Ron Finnegan, of Grange Road, Newark, said it had been an excellent opportunity to enjoy a family day out.
He attended the event with son Matt and daughter Tara, who also brought her partner Jamie Wzietok.
"It's a really good venue, I've never been before but I'm very impressed. It's something I've wanted us to do for a long time as a family," he said.
"We had a flutter on the second race but unfortunately our horse came in fourth - but it was still exciting.
"It's great that they've added live music as well, it really seems well thought through."
Miss Dilys Whitehead, of Rowan Way, Newark, said she would come again after visiting the racecourse for the first time.
"I've won the first race, it's been a lovely evening and the weather has been beautiful. It couldn't be much nicer."
After the racing, there was live music from the Flipside Party Band.
Travel to and from the event was also provided for people in the town by Travel Wright.
Beaumond House Community Hospice, the nominated charity at the event, had two separate stalls. They held an auction, with prizes including a Porsche driving experience and the chance for VIP tickets to meet Boyzone when they play at the Newark Festival.
Claire Spratt, events co-ordinator for the hospice, said she was delighted by the extra exposure gained by attending the high-profile event.
"It's been brilliant, we're grateful for the organisers for inviting us. We were here for Southwell Residents Day last year and it's great they've repeated it.
"There has been a lot of interest and we've raised quite a bit from the day so all in all we're delighted with it."
Mr Mark Clayton, general manager at Southwell Racecourse, said he had been pleased by the response.
"It gives us a platform to build from, it's been nice to welcome those from Newark and give them an evening of high quality entertainment.
"Personally I also hope it helps raise some much needed funds and awareness for Beaumond House Hospice as they do a fantastic job.
"It's been great to partner up with the Advertiser Media Group and we hope to extend it for one in 2016."
He praised the work of his staff who he said were always committed to putting on an excellent event.
"The team always put in a huge effort to make sure every event is up to scratch and I'm really pleased with how it's all gone," he said.
