Cartmel Racecourse is ready to round off the season with its much-anticipated August bank holiday event.

The Cartmel Cup Day, taking place on Saturday, August 24, is expected to draw 15,000 visitors, while an additional 10,000 are anticipated for the Season Finale on Monday, August 26.

The Monday will feature circus tricks from The Greatest Show, plus face painting and even the chance to tackle a maze in mini trucks.

Cartmel director of racing, Geraldine McKay, said: "Saturday is our biggest day of the year and a huge social event where lots of families and friends come back together, year after year.

"It’s a special day in the diaries of so many people who come to meet up and celebrate racing, it is everything Cartmel is about.

"The Season Finale is the week before the schools go back, so for many people it is a final treat for the kids."

The gates will open at 9am on Saturday and 10am on Monday, with six races taking place each day.

This includes the hotly-contested Cartmel Cup on Saturday at 2.50pm and the Cavendish Cup on Monday at 4.02pm.

The two races are offering over £20,000 and £24,000 of prize money respectively, alongside a traditional Cartmel Sticky Toffee pudding for the victors.

Throughout the weekend, event-goers can savour excellent food, including local specialities from the likes of Furness Fish and The Chippy Van, as well as international cuisine.

The Paddock Bar and Party Bar will serve a variety of refreshments, including quality cold draught beers.

A new addition last year, The Paddock Lawn Tipi will make a return with some improvements including the addition of sides which can be raised up to give better views of horses on the home straight.

The Tipi is fully booked for Saturday, while some spaces remain for Monday.

On the Sunday, Cartmel Priory will hold the annual blessing of the racehorse, with visitors getting the chance to see trainer Jimmy Moffatt up close.

Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding and Lake District Audi will sponsor the proceedings.