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 2026 the dates are Thursday 25th June until Saturday 27th June. There will be live music on Fri and Sat after the racing.

All prices are correct at time of publishing

Official Dress Code for Hospitality & Premier Enclosure

Hospitality areas and the Premier Enclosure operate a smart casual dress code but on Feature Days they encourage dressing to impress with hats and fascinators. 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. 

For those who love to show off their tanned legs, Aje’s Cleo Mini Dress in spiced coral transitions effortlessly from watching the races during the day to an evening of live music. £389.00. Although headwear is not compulsory, many ladies embrace the racing atmosphere and sport a beautiful hat or fascinator. The sculptured curves of Cara Thomas Millinery’s Aurora Swirl handmade hat  play perfectly with the ruffles on the dress. Handcrafted headpiece created from sinamay in deep teal and soft coral. £150.00. Because they make each product by hand, this product can be customised for specific colours and styles. Due to the elegant curves of the dress and headpiece, go for a soft leather sandal. Aje’s Clemence Gathered Heel in ivory gathers in curved leather folds at the front which is then fixed with gold hardware detail to complement the gold hardware on the dress’s neckline. The mid heel curves and the insole is padded leather to give comfort. £239.00. Accessorise with Aje’s Odilie Small Bangle gold coloured bangle, £239.00 and add a hint of sparkle with Sif Jakobs’ Ellisse Lungo Otto Earrings in 18k gold plated sterling silver with facet cut multi coloured zirconia, £199.00. Adorn your bare tanned legs with an anklet. ChloBo’s Nightfall Wishes Anklet in gold plated with lavender amethyst, blue kyanite & apatite and peachy pink sunstone crystals. Was £160.00 now £80.00. Keep the moon and stars at your fingertips with Luna Charles’ Elena Star Rattan Straw Handbag Crafted with natural rattan and coral vegan leather with glimmering gold moons and stars adorning the front. £165.00 Finish off with Longchamp’s Sunglasses in a coral brick shade. £180.00

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 Juliette Jacquard Dress brings out summer day to evening vibes in pink with gold jacquard print £70.00 This maxi dress will look good paired with flat sandals or heels. For a whole day at the races be kind to your feet, whilst still looking chic, with Azure Flat Sandals in gold and boho inspired, £50.00. Cool down your hot summer look with Pom Pom London City MINI Bag Pale Fern in soothing pale fern, £84.94. Headwear is not obligatory and not all ladies wear one, so go for a more subtle look like a fancy headband. Cara Thomas Millinery’s  Blossom Sinamay Headband   is in a soft  buttery yellow shade with vintage pale peach flowers and veiling £120.00. Accessorise with Joe Browns’  Venus Gold Drop Earrings   £20.00, Golden Layering Necklace £21.00 and Summer Escape Pack of 5 Bracelets   £30.00. Oversized Retro Sunglasses give full on glamour. With purple sunset frames and gold accents, they bring ’70s chic to life. Sunset 70’s Purple Sunglasses   £29.00. 

Aje International and Marchon Eyewear (Longchamp) images courtesy of pr agency Purple PR

Pom Pom London images courtesy of pr agency Bloxham PR

Cara Thomas Millinery images courtesy of Cara Thomas Millinery

Sif Jakobs and ChloBo jewellery courtesy of Amanda Ferrari from We Are PR UK

Joe Browns images courtesy of in house PR team

Lunar Charles images courtesy of pr agency CiCi PR