Fun-packed family day at Wolverhampton Racecourse

WOLVERHAMPTON Racecourse is set to lead the field in summer holiday entertainment when it hosts its family fun day, featuring guest star SpongeBob SquarePants.

The day – which is totally free for youngsters - is designed to offer something for everyone, with heaps of things for children to enjoy, plus plenty to keep their parents happy too.

Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants will welcome families as they arrive, and will be making appearances at various intervals throughout the afternoon, as youngsters make the most of the host of attractions.

Staff from Dudley Zoo will be there, along with their Creature Features display, which includes the chance to meet and learn about a range of different animals, from bearded dragons, to tarantulas, geckos and stick insects.

They will also be bringing the zoo’s mascots, Gracie Giraffe and Jambi the Tiger, and treating visitors to some animal face-painting.

The Red Devils Freefall team is planning to drop in to show off their spectacular parachuting skills around 1pm, before a full afternoon of racing gets under way on the all-weather track at 2.15pm.

As well as all this, there will also be a mega slide, penalty shoot-out, a bungee run, and a soft play area available to use throughout the afternoon – and everything is free of charge for under-18s, including admission as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Compton Hospice will be hosting a stall at the event, running a raffle and offering a selection of cuddly toys for sale, as well as collecting for their Capital Appeal, which is aiming to raise £1 million towards the cost of refurbishing the hospice’s in-patient and day care units.

The racecourse’s family-friendly restaurants will be serving meals through the day, which can be booked in advance, and are included as part of some ticket packages.

Nathan Corden, head of commercial development at Wolverhampton Racecourse, said the emphasis of the event on Monday, August 16, will be totally on family enjoyment.

“Entertaining the children through the six-week holiday can be a challenge, especially finding something that everyone wants to do, so we hope we can help out by offering a huge day packed with entertainment, suitable for all ages,” he said.

“With the chance to meet SpongeBob, get up close to a variety of different animals from Dudley Zoo, watch the wonderful display by the Red Devils Freefall Team, and try out a host of different activities, on top of watching some wonderful horses, it promises to be a memorable day.

“And as we are the only racecourse in the Black Country, this is an excellent opportunity to come along and see just how exciting – and affordable - a day at the races is.”

Gates open at noon, with the first race due to get under way at 2.15pm. To find out more, or book adult tickets, and meals in advance, please visit the racecourse’s website.

Or you could enter our exclusive competition on havealovelytime.com and win free tickets for the day, and a meal for your family at the Racecourse's lovely Horizons restaurant.