Musselburgh Racecourse prepares for heroic capers with Superhero Family Raceday

The Superhero Family Raceday takes place on Tuesday 21 July, with the racecourse once again partnering with the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, supporting its work with children and families across the Lothians.

The popular summer fixture will feature appearances from characters from a galaxy far-far-away as Star Wars favourites join with Marvel and DC superheroes for an afternoon of free activities designed to keep youngsters entertained throughout the event.

Gates open at noon with seven exciting Flat races scheduled from 2.30pm, and families are being invited to come along in full superhero costume for an afternoon of fun, competitive Flat racing and entertainment for all ages.

Children 17 years and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult, and family-friendly attractions will be on offer alongside the racing, including fairground rides, face painting and a kids’ disco - with each child receiving a free ice cream, courtesy of Musselburgh’s legendary Luca’s ice cream dynasty.

Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Musselburgh Racecourse, said the superheroes theme promised one of the biggest family days of the summer.

She said: “We're hoping to see many youngsters arriving in costume and really embracing the theme. Whether they're inspired by Marvel heroes, DC characters, Star Wars legends or their own imagination, we want everyone to feel part of the day."

Following positive feedback from families last year, Musselburgh is again operating its token system. Every child attending will receive four complimentary tokens, which can be exchanged for attractions and activities throughout the day, with additional tokens available to purchase if required.

 

Aisling Johnston added: “The Star Wars characters went down an absolute storm last year, and with Marvel and DC heroes also on site, children are going to be in their element. While the children’s entertainment is very much the icing on the cake, parents, grandparents and carers can also enjoy seven competitive Flat races across the afternoon.”

The Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) supports children and young people being treated at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh, and the racecourse will make a cash donation on the day, with racegoers able to show their support through bucket collections. Local youngsters taking part in the Mini Queens Cup Happy Hopper race will also be raising funds.

Fiona Brian, Fundraiser at ECHC, said:

“We’re so grateful to Musselburgh Racecourse for once again supporting seriously ill children and their families through this very special Superhero Family Raceday.

“Every single day, 500 children come through the doors of Edinburgh children’s hospital. Children tell us they are frightened, parents tell us they’re sick with worry. We want to change this, to make things better.

“Thanks to Musselburgh Racecourse’s incredible support, we can be there to help our real life superheroes, and ensure loneliness and fear in hospital become a thing of the past.”

For more information and to book tickets visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk