The Northumberland Plate is the highlight of Newcastle’s racing calendar. Often compared with the Melbourne Cup in Australia, this three-day festival has first class racing and a true party atmosphere. Held over three days in June. For 2025 the dates are Thursday 26th June until Saturday  28th June. There will be live music on Fri and Sat after the racing.

Official Dress Code for Hospitality & Premier Enclosure

Hospitality areas and the Premier Enclosure operate a smart casual dress code. Sportswear, trainers and fancy dress are not permitted. 

We Say… For the Ladies, While it is not nearly as formal in its dress code, the festival bills itself as the north east’s answer to Royal Ascot, giving the Newcastle ladies the perfect opportunity to really show off their fashionable and glamorous styles. 

All prices are correct at time of publishing

For those who love to show off their tanned legs, Skyla Mini Dress by Rebecca Vallance  in a cheerful bright blue transitions effortlessly from watching the races during the day to an evening of live music. £445.00

Although headwear is not compulsory, many ladies embrace the racing atmosphere and sport a beautiful hat or fascinator. Maya by Eleanor Bunney Millinery £110.00 is a knotted silk abaca headband with veiling, trimmed with flowers and silk butterflies. Because they make each product by hand, this product can be customised for specific colours and styles.

Due to the elegant simplicity of the dress, add glitz and sparkle with a pair of fabulous sandals. Margot Butterfly Sandal by Rene Caovilla®  is in vibrant turquoise satin, decorated with delicate lace and crystal butterflies which spiral up the ankle.  £1490.00. Top Tip: Pop a pair of foldable flats into your handbag just in case you need to give your feet a rest from wearing those glamorous high heels.

Continue with the glitz and butterfly theme with Thomas Sabo statement jewellery, This is the type of occasion where there is no such thing as OTT so pile on that bling. Statement jewellery adds a generous amount of style. Golden ring in butterfly design by THOMAS SABO Was £540.00 Now £375.00 and their Golden ear studs in butterfly design Was £310.00 Now £215.00  This butterfly design is particularly expressive due to its cut-out design and slightly curved wings. Decorated with many faceted, colourful stones in different sizes and inlays of mother-of-pearl. Made of 925 Sterling silver and finished with an 18k yellow-gold plating.

Thomas Sabo watch with butterflies is made of stainless steel, detailed with butterflies, a sun, clouds and stars with gold-coloured accents, white and pink cold enamel as well as sparkling, pink zirconia stones. Many of these elements glow in the dark due to their luminescent cold enamel. The long second hand with a star on one side and a moon on the other perfectly complements this playful design. The lunette is engraved with LOVE – LUCK – DREAMS – ENERGY. £360.00

Add an explosion of colour with Meenu Graziani’s Rhea leather rainbow coloured clutch £85.00

Official Dress Code for Grandstand Enclosure

There is no dress code in the Grandstand.Fancy dress is allowed in the Grandstand, providing it’s decent and would not cause offence to other guests.

We say.. Just because there is no dress code, that doesn’t mean you have to forgo the glam and party vibe of the Northumberland Plate festival. Joe Browns shows how to dress to impress on a budget.

Their Olivia Halter Neck Dress brings out summer day to evening vibes in bright green and pink £60.00 This maxi dress will look good paired with trainers, flats or dress up with their Pretty Alisa T Bar Shoes in hot pink. £50.00

Hiring a hat is less expensive and Eleanor – silk beret in green by Bee Smith Millinery with its bright pink ruffles is a perfect match for the dress.  £80.00 for 4 days

Hold all your racing and party essentials in Joe Browns Leather Tassel Mini Bag in bright green leather with an adjustable crossbody strap. £39.00

Accessorise with their Tropical Sunset Beaded Earrings £15.00 and matching Tropical Sunset Beaded Bangle £18.00 Oversized Retro Sunglasses give full on glamour. With green ombre lenses and gold accents, these Retro Sunglasses bring 70s chic to life. £25.00

Rebecca Vallance and Rene Caovilla images provided by pr agency Purple PR

Eleanor Bunney Millinery images provided by Eleanor Bunney Millinery

Thomas Sabo images provided by pr agency Task PR

Meenu Graziani images provided by Amanda Ferrari from We Are PR UK

Joe Browns images provided by PR Shots

Bee Smith Hats images provided by Bee Smith Millinery