Your June Guide to Festivals and Events in and around Newmarket

Even without confirmation of what the restrictions are likely to be for 21^st June, the month is filling up nicely with lots of festivals and events planned. With all the necessary COVID safety measures in place, let’s start getting out and about and support our local attractions and venues.

Birds of Prey, 5^th June

It is so good to see the re-opening of our National Horseracing Museum here in Newmarket. They have an impressive line-up of events and exhibitions planned and their first one is on Saturday 5^th June. The event centres around Birds of Prey, with an awe-inspiring display of these magnificent birds from around the world. The day also sees the return of Oscar, the Shetland pony who is a firm favourite with adults and children alike. There is a mini-farmers market and of course The Tack Room and The Bakery will be open, offering some tempting refreshments to complete the day. So don’t delay and book your tickets for this fun, family day out.

Open Gardens at Chippenham Park, 13^th June

Following a run of dates earlier in the year, Chippenham Park Gardens will once again be opening their amazing gardens but for one day only! So, grab the chance to explore these beautiful grounds including their rose gardens and rose terrace. This is sneak peek at what lies ahead for their summer opening of the gardens. With delicious home-made cakes, scones, coffee, tea, and barbecued sausages on hand in the licensed Potting Shed Café, makes this a perfect outing for family or friends. There is a £5 entry fee (children free) and well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Newmarket Races, 18/19 June

Racing returns for public admissions (hooray) on Friday 18^th and Saturday 19^th June. So, for the first time this year, we can expect to see the town centre adorned with men in suits and women in their finery – how we have missed this vision. There is always a certain vibe in town when racing is on, and it has been sorely missed. This meeting will be the first of the year for the July Racecourse which is also host to the legendary Newmarket Nights. Whilst numbers at present are still restricted, tickets are available to book, so if you’ve been missing your racing fix, don’t delay in obtaining those tickets!

Newmarket’s Jigsaw Festival and British Jigsaw Championships 2021, 22^nd to 27^th June

Yes, Newmarket really does have an annual Jigsaw competition and yes, they really do host the British Jigsaw Championships! Held in St Mary’s Church, this quirky festival, is a must for all jigsaw lovers. View an amazing display of over 1,000 puzzles, lovingly made up by the festival’s volunteers, with the opportunity to purchase your own so that you can re-do at home. A selection of homemade refreshments is available for you to enjoy whilst you browse and entry is just £2 per person, with children free, and includes admission across all days. The big event cumulates on the Sunday with the prestigious 8^th British Jigsaw Championships, sponsored by Gibson Games, which takes place in The Turner Hall and the Memorial Hall . Nearly 50 jigsaw enthusiasts have entered to battle it out to claim the title of British Jigsaw Champion 2021. Whilst the event will sadly be missing any overseas entrants or spectators this year, several previous competitors are booked in to defend their titles. Attendees can be assured of seeing some of the best jigsaw players in the country with those in the top category capable of completing a 1,000 piece puzzle in under three hours.

Open Air Cinema and Eco Festival, 18-20^th June

Have you heard of Mad Hatters Campsite near Ely? Not only is it the most amazing camping and glamping site in the area, but it is also passionate about environmental issues. Set on a five acre site, their mission is to be as green as possible. It therefore provides the perfect backdrop for an Eco Festival. The fun begins on Friday evening where you can sit under the stars and watch the fabulous The Greatest Showman, open air cinema style. Then follows two action packed days of food and craft demos, children entertainment – all with a strong eco theme. Bookings are now being taken for day or weekend tickets and of course you can book to stay for the whole weekend, thus making it a truly memorable weekend.

Suffolk Day, 21^st June

As has become tradition, everything Suffolk is brought together and celebrated on the longest day of summer – 21^st June. The sun shines first on Suffolk, so make a plan to enjoy the wonderful landscape and heritage and join community groups, venues and organisations across Suffolk and celebrate their special day. Here in Newmarket, we are having a cake party! Well not just any cake party, a celebration of the Newmarket Cake Party. Join members from the Discover Newmarket team at the Heath Court Hotel between 10 and 11.30 am for free coffee and cake and find out more about this chocolatey sponge which features in our Heritage Food and Drink Walking and Tasting Tour.  In addition, we will be offering a free Guided Tour of the Gallops. So if you wish to join us, just be at the Heath Court Hotel at 9 am, no need to book. We will also be running a free competition to win a family ticket for a National Stud tour so come and find out more about us.

Champagne Afternoon Tea and Tour  – 27^th June

June sees the return of Discover Newmarket’s Tea and Tour at the iconic Jockey Club Rooms. Combining the true opulence of a fascinating tour of the home of racing headquarters and the indulgence of an Afternoon Tea. This is very special experience indeed. With only three dates available for this year, bag those seats quickly and of course you never know which member of the Royal family may have sat in your seat previously!