Racegoers will return to The Roodee in May for the opening meeting of the Chester racing calendar.

This year's Boodles May Festival takes place over three days from Wednesday, May 4.

On Thursday, May 5 the fashion stakes are raised when the Boodles Ladies Day brings style and elegance to the May Festival.

Many celebrities traditionally attend this event which is the pinnacle of the Chester social calendar.

Picture gallery from last year's Ladies Day

According to Chester Race Company the demand for tickets has been high but there are still tickets available at www.chester-races.co.uk

This year's racegoers can look forward to a number of improvements at the course, including a brand new ticketed enclosure, The Winning Post, complete with a sleek contemporary canopy running 26 metres along the length of the racetrack.

To book online, go to www.chester-races.co.uk or call 01244 304 600.