Aintree’s Ladies Day has once again transformed the racecourse into a vibrant spectacle.
Attendees showcased elaborate headwear at the Friday event, which has been dubbed the “Scouse Met Gala”.
Punters embraced a kaleidoscope of florals and bright hues for the second day of the annual racing festival, which builds anticipation for Saturday’s Grand National steeplechase.
Among the estimated 50,000 strong crowd at the Merseyside venue was Zara Tindall, who opted for a cream trouser suit and coordinating hat.
The equestrian, the daughter of the Princess Royal, was accompanied by her husband Mike and daughter Mia.
Charlotte Hawes, from Wallasey, Wirral, described her striking black hat, adorned with red roses, as “heavy” but “secure”.
The 32-year-old said: “Bigger is better I think, you’ve got to go all out haven’t you? It’s once a year, Ladies Day.
“I love everyone’s style, everyone really makes an effort. It’s the Scouse Met Gala, as they say. All the girls of Liverpool are so stylish.”
Milliner Steph Corlett, 38, from Maghull, Merseyside, had been making her burgundy horse-shaped headpiece up until the night before the races and said it had been her busiest year yet for Ladies Day orders.
She said: “The hats have suddenly just become a big thing now, the last few years it’s just got bigger and bigger. I think since Covid, people make more effort.”
Some racegoers were still trying to keep costs down while looking their best.
Hannah Mooney, 32, from Widnes, Cheshire, had sourced her tweed and brown outfit, with a camel-coloured trilby, from charity shops and preloved selling app Vinted.
She said: “My aim was to spend as little as possible on an outfit so I could spend more on betting on the horses.”
Her sister Jessica Mooney, 34, who wore a floral long-sleeved dress with a white headband, said: “You don’t see anything like this anywhere else.
“It’s definitely one of the best days of the year. Everyone puts so much effort in. The hats and the dresses are just incredible.”
Helen Scott-Allen, 46, from the Isle of Man, opted for vintage, with a 1950s horse-racing themed Paganne dress bought from eBay.
Her hat, which featured a horse and jockey, had been shipped from America.
She said: “It was well-packaged thankfully.
“As soon as this festival finishes I start planning it for next year.”
Her husband, Dave Allen, 44, said his colour co-ordinated outfit was more last-minute.
He said: “I do exactly as I’m told with about five minutes notice – so Helen puts a year’s worth of planning into it and I just do as I’m told on the morning of.”
Leanne Kelly. 41, from Perth, Scotland, wore a huge floral and feathered headpiece to match her off-the-shoulder dress.
She said: “It’s all about the hat. I just love a hat. For me it’s got to be big, it’s got to be bold, it’s got to be something fun.”