THE racecourse will be turned purple for a night in support of a festival.

The annual Pershore Plum Festival race night returns to Worcester Racecourse for its ninth year tomorrow.

Local antiques expert and presenter on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, Henry Sandon, pictured right, will also be there celebrating his landmark 90th birthday at the racecourse.

Jenny Cheshire, executive director of Worcester Racecourse, said: “We enjoy the Pershore Plum Festival race evening each year, and the 2018 event is another highlight of our historic anniversary year.

“Hosting Henry and his party for his 90th birthday celebrations is a real honour for us and we are delighted to be part of this special occasion, we certainly have a few surprises up our sleeve to make it a memorable evening.

“The Pershore Plum Festival is a great way of celebrating our county’s local produce and we are delighted to be working with the festival organisers again this year to host the race night.

“We hope racegoers will join in the spirit of the festival and come racing dressed in purple, making the day a real spectacle for all involved.”

Angela Taylor, Wychavon tourism officer and chairman of the Pershore Plum Festival, said: “Hosting a themed race night at the Racecourse helps boost the profile of the festival and encourages people from all over the county to get involved, bringing people to Pershore that may have never visited before.

“We are incredibly proud of our festival, having won the award for the ‘Best festival and event in Worcestershire’ in previous years.”

Racegoers are encouraged to don their best purple attire, with prizes on offer for the best outfit.

The newly crowned Plum Princess and her attendants, will make their first appearance in their official roles at the race night, alongside the festival mascots Prunella, Eggbert and Queen Victoria.

The Plum Stones, will return to entertain the crowds with covers of popular rock and easy-listening songs.

The evening features the race of the day, the Land O’ Plums Steeple Chase which used to be held at Pershore Racecourse before its closure during the Second World War.