Dancing queens and lovers of horse racing are in for the perfect entertainment at the end of this month with a headline performance by Björn Again at Cartmel Racecourse.

The internationally acclaimed show will be performing after the meeting on Friday, June 30 so racegoers can enjoy a day of top-class racing followed by the music of ABBA.

It is the start of a weekend of racing at Cartmel with a second meeting on Sunday, July 2 and follows the return of Spring Bank Holiday racing to the south Cumbrian course. 

This time there’s the added bonus of Björn Again. The Australian ABBA Show was created and founded in 1988 in Melbourne by Australian director and musician Rod Stephen.

Designed as a rocked-up light-hearted satirical ABBA spoof, the show rapidly achieved worldwide cult status and was acknowledged for singlehandedly initiating the band’s revival which brought about ABBA Gold, and the films Muriel’s Wedding and Mamma Mia!

Cartmel’s racecourse director Geraldine McKay said: “We’re proud of the reputation Cartmel has established for bringing the finest entertainment to our beautiful course to go along with the top-class racing.

“So come along for a great day’s racing followed by an evening of some of the greatest pop songs.

“Cartmel really is a course like no other, partly thanks to our location, but also because of the welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that our visitors help create.

“As usual we’ve got a host of delicious food and drink options, trade stalls and the funfair, all of which make for a fantastic day out.”

Race times are as follows:

• Friday, June 30
  13.55  |  14.30  |  15.05  |  15.40  |  16.15  |  16.47

• Sunday, July 2
  14.05  |  14.40  |  15.20  |  16.00  |  16.35  |  17.10

Race days at Cartmel are the ideal fun family day out in a carnival-style atmosphere. Feel free to bring your own food and drink to make the most of your day. Or take advantage of the numerous tasty food and beverage options on offer around the course.

Gates will open at 9am on all race days and, for those who aren’t bringing their own picnic, the Louis Roederer Restaurant will open at 11.30am.

A new addition for 2023 is the Paddock Lawn Tipi which has a covered area with its own bar and offers views overlooking the home straight. Demand is high so book now.

The course, already a firm favourite with regular visitors, sits in picturesque parkland next to Cartmel Village, home of the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding, and is just a stone’s throw from the edge of the Lake District National Park, plus it is dog-friendly.

Offering unparalleled views from the crowds, Cartmel’s course encircles the enclosures ensuring that there are no ‘blind spots’ and, for those wanting to get a closer look at the action, giant video screens are erected in several locations.

How to get there:

• Leave the M6 at junction 36 and take the A590 towards Barrow until you reach the turn off for High Newton, then follow the yellow event signs.
• Parking is available on site. For details or to book visit the ‘plan your visit’ section of the racecourse website.
• By train, travel to Cark-in-Cartmel then take a taxi. Taxis will be in demand so it is advised to book in advance.

Where to stay:

• Lots of hotels and B&Bs are available in the area. For more information see the ‘plan your visit’ section of the racecourse website.
• Four camping areas are available at the racecourse, plus space for caravans and motorhomes but these fill up quickly. Find out more on the racecourse website.

Safety information:

• The parkland around the course has beautiful ancient oak trees, but it is not a good idea to sit beneath or climb on them as they can break.
• Children are free to paddle in the beck which flows through the Paddock Enclosure, but please ensure they are supervised. The beck is also not suitable for washing up or drinking as animals use it up and downstream.
• First aid posts are situated in the Paddock and course enclosures.

Barbeques:

• Barbeques are welcomed but they must be extinguished 30 minutes before racing begins to ensure the horses are not affected by the smoke.
• Take care not to scorch the grass by using stones, and dispose of your barbeque in a metal bin when it is fully extinguished.
• Gas barbecues and canisters are not permitted.

What to wear:

• Smart casual dress in the Paddock Enclosure, and shirts in all other enclosures. Otherwise, dress for comfort and the weather.