The ladies of Chester pulled out all the stops in an array of colourful outfits as they stepped out at the annual Boodles May Festival today.
Living up to the area’s glamorous reputation, thousands of women made the most of the sunshine in daring necklines and showstopping dresses.
The event is billed as the ‘pinnacle of Chester’s social calendar’, and excited revellers were determined to showcase their fashion prowess.
With Chester operating a far less strict dress code than other racing events, such as Royal Ascot, guests took full advantage of the relaxed sartorial guidelines as they gathered for the annual race meeting.
Many attendees donned thigh-grazing ensembles, while others commanded attention when opting for plunging looks.
Girls’ day out! The ladies of Chester embraced the warmer weather with shoulder-baring and thigh-grazing dresses at the annual Boodles May Festival
Two of a kind! Ellie Leach and a reveller showed off their drop waist dresses on the first day of the racing festival
Yellow there! With summer around the corner, lighter colours like butter were popular
Like father, like daughter! Liverpool FC legend Michael Owen with Gemma, as the pair both opted to wear blue. While the model wore a blazer over an ankle-skimming dress, Michael opted for an impeccably tailored suit
Former Manchester United star Paul Ince also colour coordinated with wife, Claire, as the couple both opted for blue outfits
Chef and former Strictly contestant Simon Rimmer holds hands with his wife Ali, who donned a bright red pantsuit
Family fun! Michael and Louise Owen were all smiles on the first day of the races, billed as the ‘pinnacle of Chester’s social calendar’
Among the well-heeled guests was England football legend Michael Owen, 46, who walked in alongside his children, daughter Gemma and son James, and wife Louise.
Former Manchester United star Paul Ince was also spotted among the crowd, alongside chef and former Strictly contestant, Simon Rinner.
Each stand at Chester Racecourse adheres to a specific dress code policy. If you’re in the Chester Members and Private Hospitality area, there is a ‘strictly smart’ style guide, with ladies encouraged to don longer-length skirts and dresses, chic trouser suits and statement hats.
The Winning Post and County Long Room and Concourse enclosures suggest a ‘dress to impress’ mentality, recommending clutch bags, fascinators and mix-and-match colour schemes.
The Tattersalls enclosure urges guests to ‘make a statement’ with their outfits, listing jumpsuits and tailored shorts, maxi dresses and headbands and hair accessories as strong choices.
The most casual stands are the Dee and Open Course, where relaxed summer dresses, shorts and T-shirts and sunglasses are welcomed.
The opening day of the festival features Cheshire Oaks and Chester Vase races, with £100,000 prize money at stake for the latter.
