Cestrians have a love/hate relationship with Chester Races. Those who love to dress up will be busy sorting out a hat to match the latest outfit and those who don't will avoid the city centre like the plague.

To celebrate the race season, we take a tongue-in-cheek look at how locals know it's Race Day in Chester.

Eat in

If you are a keen foodie and like popping in to Chester to sample one of its many culinary delights, you probably won't get a table at your favourite eaterie. Instead, buy yourself a copy of the new Cheshire Cook Book and have a go at creating a signature dish from your favourite city chef.

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Jaffa Cake recipe from The Lord Clyde which features in the Cheshire Cook Book

Dress code

If you are nipping in to town to meet a friend for coffee, you might feel under dressed if you aren't wearing a hat. Dressed in jeans and T-shirt, you might feel like 'staff' or a peasant as everyone else will look as if they are heading for a society wedding.

You might be under dressed without a hat

Caught short

If nature calls while you are in town, your choice of WC will increase as portable loos spring up all over the city.

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Remember the pilot of the open air urinals in 2013?

The urinal in Northgate Street
The temporary urinal in Northgate Street in 2013

Gridlock

If you live south of the river and have an appointment somewhere north, make sure to leave extra time. If it's an important thing like a hospital appointment, bear in mind the road closures above and that traffic is police controlled on St Martin's Way to let racegoers cross. If your appointment is less important, stay at home.

Bus stop

Allow extra time for your journey home from work on the bus as drivers have to manoeuvre around the crowds packed on the city streets. And if you are after a taxi, put on your walking boots instead.

And thankfully the new Chester bus station is not that near to the racecourse.

Celebrity spotting

There is always a chance you will catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two at the races - usually of the footballing kind - so keep your eyes peeled as you wander around the racecourse or the city. David Beckham hasn't been papped here since 2003 but Wayne and Coleen Rooney are regular visitors as is Michael Owen.

David Beckham and his Manchester United team mates in 2003

Visit Liverpool

A Chester Race day might be a good time to take in the sights of our city neighbour as many of its residents will be here. Expect to shop at Liverpool One with ease or grab a table at a restaurant at the Albert Dock or stroll through one of the city's museums at your leisure.

Expect no crowds at Albert Dock in Liverpool

How do you know it is Race Day in Chester? Let us know in the comments box below.