The Cheltenham Festival has announced a series of changes for 2025, including a reduction in the price of Guinness to £7.50, the return of Ladies Day, and a cut in daily capacity to 66,000. The moves come after customer feedback highlighted concerns over value and overcrowding.
Guinness will return to 2022 price levels, dropping 30p from last year's cost. For the first time, prosecco will be available, and drink restrictions will be removed, allowing punters to take beverages anywhere on the course.
Guy Lavender, Chief Executive of The Jockey Club, said: 'We know that value for money is one of the most important factors for people to consider when deciding which events to attend. There are certain things we can do on course like reducing the price of a pint and improving our facilities.'
Ladies Day will take place on the Wednesday of race week, running from March 10-13, 2025. The capacity cut follows complaints about overcrowding on Gold Cup day in 2024, which saw 68,026 attendees. The new limit of 66,000 will apply across all four days.
Additional improvements include a new PA system for clearer commentary and more shelter against bad weather. Ticket prices remain a key issue, with Best Mate enclosure tickets for the first three days currently at £47 until December 4, and Gold Cup day at £64.
