Journal Ladies’ Day is just around the corner, so get your hat and outfit ready for this fantastic day at Beverley Racecourse, with wonderful prizes on offer . . .

Suzanne Edwards-Vidal, the winner of the best outfit competition at last year’s Journal Ladies’ Day, with Claire King

A fabulous hairdressing package worth £1,100 is just one of the prizes awaiting the lucky lady chosen as the wearer of the best outfit at The Journal Ladies’ Day.

This superb treat comes courtesy of Unique Salon, of Cottingham and Hessle, and is the top prize at the event on Wednesday 12th August at Beverley Races.

As well as the hairdressing package, the winner will receive a £100 voucher from Funky Fascinators, of Doncaster, and a £300 spa leisure break at Forest Pines, near Brigg.

That’s still not all – a “Look Good Naked” photo shoot worth £199 is being offered by top photographer Debbie Wilkinson, of Sutton, and to complete the package, our best-dressed lady will receive Champagne from CGC Events and a beautiful bouquet from the Floral Lounge, of Sutton.

With a prize package worth almost £2,000, it’s well worth getting dressed up for.

There are some fantastic prizes, too, for the lady chosen as the wearer of the best hat. As well as a platinum colour package and cut, shampoo and finish with one of Unique’s top stylists, she will also receive a £50 voucher from Felicity Hats, a “Look Good Naked” photoshoot, Champagne and a bouquet.

There’ll be plenty of racing, too, and the ever-popular catwalk shows will once again be held in the fashion marquee in the centre of the course. But the highlight of the day for many will be to see the wonderful outfits and headwear on display.

After the racing, live music by popular local band Minus Benn will be performed.

Joyce Clappison, of Wats On, of Willerby Road, Hull, is the organiser of the catwalk shows on Ladies’ Day and expects to see plenty of very colourful outfits.

“It’s all about bright colours this season,” said Joyce. “As for styles, knee-length is very popular but a lot of ladies are buying ankle-length dresses; there aren’t so many mid-calf styles around this year.”

What about headwear? “Hats or hattinators,” said Joyce. “Not fascinators so much because ladies want something bigger now.”

Last year, Suzanne Edwards-Vidal proved a very worthy winner; going on to represent Beverley Races and win the title of Yorkshire Best-Dressed Lady at a competition for all the racecourses in the county, held at Doncaster in September.

Ben Rudd, salon director, explained why Unique is sponsoring The Journal Ladies’ Day best hat and best outfit competitions.

“Ladies’ Day is one of the most important days in the East Riding social calendar and anyone who is anyone will be there,” said Ben.

“It is the one day when it truly matters how you look, and aside from the exiting racing, the most important part of the day is when the winner of the best outfit is chosen.

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Last year Suzanne Edwards-Vidal won a VIP package for two people, consisting of a platinum colour package and cut, shampoo and finish and she enjoyed the Unique experience so much she has become a regular visitor.

“This year we have put together a fantastic package and as well as giving the winner of the best outfit a full year of hairdressing service plus homecare products, worth a total of £1,100, we are also offering a prize to the winner of the best hat.”

Interestingly, Ben said that when the economy dips, hair styles become more natural and understated, but not for big occasions such as Ladies’ Day.

“Wearing your hair fuller than normal gives a great base for hair accessories such as hats or hattinators,” he said. “You should always choose your outfit first and then your headwear to complement it, not the other way round. Consult your stylist about new ideas on how to wear your hair because your hairshape needs to be in place before you choose your headwear. For example, if you were to wear your hair poker straight like Gwyneth Paltrow, adding a flamboyant fascinator would create a look that wasn’t balanced.

“If you decide to wear a hat, you should still have your hair professionally styled so it looks great when you take off your hat.

“Contemporary hair accessories are very on-trend right now, whether it’s a headscarf or hairband as worn by Paris Hilton or Nicole Richie or a beautiful, delicate hair brooch from By Harriet, a great local designer.

“If in doubt about what to wear, seek professional advice. We are more than happy to give a free consultation before Ladies’ Day.”

Ladies’ Day is more popular every year, as increased attendance figures show, and Premier Enclosure tickets are already sold out. There is still availability in the Grandstand and Paddock and Course Enclosure and party rates are available. Tickets can either be pre-booked or bought on the day, but if you want to take advantage of the group discounts you must book at least seven working days in advance. If you would like to book hospitality in the marquee, contact CGC Events on 01132 876387

www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk