Why is Cheltenham Ladies Day now called Style Wednesday?
LADIES DAY was traditionally held on day two of Cheltenham Festival – but the centuries-old tradition is no more.
Ever since Queen Victoria reigned and visited the racecourse in the 1830s wearing a hat, women have had a day to dress their best at the races.
However, day two of Cheltenham Festival has now been dubbed ‘Style Wednesday’.
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What happened to Cheltenham Ladies Day?
Long known for attracting royals, celebrities and glammed up women, Cheltenham stopped marketing day two of the festival as ‘Ladies Day’ back in 2018.
While the day was dubbed Festival Wednesday in 2023, it has changed once again.
Previously, Ladies Day was reserved for women to don designer brands and high-fashion.
There was also a Best Dressed contest to enter, which has now been scrapped.
Festival organisers have now changed the naming of day two to ‘Style Wednesday’ and changed the rules around it, as well as loosening its dress code.
Previously the strict dress code insisted upon trousers and shoes but jeans and trainers are now allowed – jackets and ties have also been dropped.
The Jockey Club hopes to be more “accessible and inclusive” and attract a younger audience.
Fancy dress is still banned, however.
What is Cheltenham Style Wednesday?
Style Wednesday has replaced Ladies Day as a gender-neutral rebrand of the previous name.
There have also been a couple of changes in terms of the dress code – with people now encouraged to not only look for high-end fashion but also outfits put together for cheaper.
The awards panel have been instructed to celebrate ‘slow fashion’, which includes vintage outfits, or those put together from charity shops or online resellers.
Men are also able to enter the best-dressed contest.
The Slow Fashion Style Awards are open from 10.30am to 2.30pm to all racegoers – who must head to the Style Pod in the Plaza to have their picture taken.
The judging panel includes Gabriella Barker, Rosie Tapner and Chris Hughes, with the prizes including a £4,000 necklace from luxury jewellery brand Boodles.
Traditional morning dress/formal wear is still required in the Queen Elizabeth II Stand on Derby Day.
What’s been said?
A Cheltenham Racecourse spokesperson said: “This year we re-launched day two of The Festival as Style Wednesday to celebrate ‘fast horses, slow fashion’, encouraging racegoers to make more sustainable fashion choices, showcasing their unique and personal style, and to share the stories behind their amazing outfits with friends, family and on social media.
“This includes re-wearing outfits they already have in their wardrobes, purchasing timeless garments to wear again and again and also buying from retailers specialising in pre-loved clothing.”
Nevin Truesdale, Chief Executive at The Jockey Club, told the Daily Mail: “Horse racing has always been a sport enjoyed by people from all different backgrounds and it’s really important to us to be accessible and inclusive.
“We hope that by no longer placing an expectation upon people of what they should and shouldn’t wear we can help highlight that racing really is for everyone.
“For those who visit our venues, a day at the races is all about spending quality leisure time with friends and family and we believe people enjoy themselves best when they feel relaxed.
“A major part of that is wearing clothing which you are comfortable in.
“While The Jockey Club has a rich heritage and history it is also a forward-thinking organisation which places a great emphasis on diversity and inclusion and always seeks to reflect modern trends.
“So, when we reviewed this area of the raceday experience, it has been clear to us that enforcing a dress code seems rather outdated in the 21st Century in the eyes of many of our racegoers.
“Of course that doesn’t mean we are discouraging people from dressing up for a day at the races if they want to.”
The move was criticised by numerous people on social media, while MP Nadine Dorries wrote a scathing attack on the move in a column, describing it as a “woke nod”.