Ladies Day brings Royal style to city

It was all posh frocks and fancy top hats at a Ladies Day – even if it was 130 miles from Royal Ascot.

More than 600 people decided that instead of making the trek to the racecourse, they would bring the racecourse to Wolverhampton.

And the grounds of Wolverhampton Rugby Club in Castlecroft Road came alive with a day of champagne and live entertainment. The venue, a huge marquee, was packed by ladies eager to impress with the best attire around, with the weather holding up well for those venturing outside.

Proving that they were just as in touch with fashion as the punters at Ascot, many of the ladies in Wolverhampton wore black and white – the most popular colours at the event attended by the Royal Family in Windsor. Liz Copson, aged 30, a receptionist from Westland Street, Wolverhampton, said: "It's a brilliant day and we do not want it to end – the atmosphere is absolutely superb and we could not have asked for more."

Ladies tucked into a meal, while singers, a brass band and music from the The Bill Bailey All Star Celebrity Jazz Band kept them entertained. TV sets were showing the races at Ascot while a bookie and official racecards were sent up from London.

With a flutter of betting and a flurry of fashion, Ladies Day has become a must for the female fraternity of the region.

The event has been held for the last eight years and has proven so popular that tickets for yesterday's event sold out before last year's event had even been held.

One of the singers, Kate Rushton, 54, of Cannock, who runs her own firm called Kate's Party, said: "I went up and sang in front of around 650 people, it was amazing and they were great."

Organiser Kenneth Clive said: "It is always really popular and everyone has a great time. You only need to give a lady the slightest excuse to dress up and they'll be there. They all looked absolutely stunning."