Figures released by The Jockey Club reflect a growing presence in the UK conference and events market, now worth £19.7m a year to its Jockey Club Venues arm.
The 14-strong venue collection of UK’s racecourses posted a turnover from meetings and events of £19.7m last year, an increasing (16.5%) share of the group’s total turnover of £139.4m.
Aintree, Cheltenham, Epsom Downs and Newmarket Racecourses all sit within the collection.
Events to come later this year include a visit from The Queen, as Her Majesty kicks off her Diamond Jubilees celebrations at Epsom Downs, the Olympic torch arriving at Cheltenham and Jessie J perming at Newmarket. The Mind Body and Spirit fair will take place at Aintree.
John Baker, Group Director of Operations, said: “We have made clear headway in the sector with our enquiry levels up on last year. We have one of the largest portfolios of spaces – from the large scale to the more intimate – and are looking to further develop this key area. “Weddings, festivals and of course corporate events are key to enabling us to help grow the business, in turn allowing us to invest back into the sport of racing.”
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