Ladies Day at Goodwood Festival: Glamorous racegoers don colourful gowns and chic accessories for day three

Lace, florals, and sky-high headpieces are adorning racegoers as day three of the Goodwood Festival has kicked off today.

High heels and fascinators were the outfits of choice for many of the well-heeled guests at Ladies Day – dubbed ‘the most stylish day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival’.

The event, in Chichester, is always marked by a flurry of striking colourful gowns, gorgeous make-up and glamorous hairstyles.

Photos from this afternoon showed some adorned in entirely floral themed outfits, three other women in bright pink ensembles, and some truly gravity-defying hats. 

Others took advantage of the relaxed dress code opting for more casual and chic summer ensembles.

VIP guests including Dermot O’Leary and Jodie Kidd were also spotted in attendance today. 

The ITV presenter, 51, was dapper in a navy suit, which he teamed with a spotted tie, and appeared to be in deep conversation with another racegoer.

Elsewhere, model Jodie, 45, stunned in a chic white summer dress, adorned with floral imagery. The short sleeved frock was cinched at the waist with a golden belt.

She added glamour to her look with jewellery, and styled her blonde bob in relaxed waves. 

Jodie opted for a laid-back make-up look, appearing in high spirits as she chatted with Dermot at the event. 

Some also opted for quirky accessories – including a woman with flower shaped sunglasses that were equal parts fun and useful for Britain’s unusually – and remarkably – hot summer weather. 

While many went for jubilant bright colours and prints, some also leaned on classic neutrals. 

The five-day meet, a highlight of the racing calendar, gives fans an excuse to get dressed up in their finery for a day of action.

High heels and fascinators were the outfits of choice for many of the well-heeled guests at Ladies Day – dubbed ‘the most stylish day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival’

The event, in Chichester, is always marked by a flurry of striking colourful gowns, gorgeous make-up and glamorous hairstyles

VIP guests including Dermot O’Leary and Jodie Kidd were also spotted in attendance today. The ITV presenter, 51, was dapper in a navy suit, which he teamed with a spotted tie, and appeared to be in deep conversation with another racegoer

Elsewhere, model Jodie, 45, stunned in a chic white summer dress, adorned with floral imagery. The short sleeved frock was cinched at the waist with a golden belt

She added glamour to her look with jewellery, and styled her blonde bob in relaxed waves. Jodie opted for a laid-back make-up look, appearing in high spirits as she chatted with Dermot at the event

Guests looked to be in high spirits as they enjoyed the sunny and relaxing atmosphere at Goodwood

Racegoers basked in the sunny weather and enjoyed some drinks during Ladies Day at Goodwood

Glamorous guests snapped selfies in their incredible ensembles as they enjoyed Ladies Day at Goodwood

Feathers, flowers, and bold colours were marking the outfits worn at Ladies Day in Goodwood today

People attending day three enjoyed the sun as they were in high spirits while attending Ladies Day 

The day served as an incresible selfie opportunity, with the gorgeous weather and striking ensembles

Other Ladies Day ensembles included neutral summery selections, accentuated with fun collaring or details

One racegoer looked to be going for a chic garden theme, with a floral dress and headpiece accentuated with butterfly details

While some went for opulent and intricate gowns, others simply opted for chic summery ensembles 

One guest leaned into a floral theme, opting for a rose headpiece, flower necklace, and summery dress

She was joined by a friend that too opted for a floral theme, but this time in a pastel blue lace dress

Pearls, lace, and floral ensembles adorned the guests attending Goodwood today – on Ladies Day

Fans and sunglasses were definitely needed on day three of the races, with racegoers basking in the good weather

Three ladies made sure to accesorise with fans to keep the balmy weather at bay as they chatted with one another

The fashionable trio coordinated their outfits, all opting for pink and orange, as they attended today

One of the attendees was a man adorned in a very ostentatious animal-print suit – topped with a fedora

While some went for glam, some opted for simple summery ensembles accessorised with headpieces

Many opted for striking colourful designs, but a few leaned into neutral summer tones which are always a hit 

Enjoying Britain’s unusually good weather, many made sure to don their sunglasses to keep the sun at bay

Some chose to accentuate their more neutral ensembles with fun accessories – including lace gloves

Ladies Day is marked for being an entertaining summer day out. Guests are invited to enjoy live music, dancing, and a saxophonist. 

Today also sees the ‘most prestigious charity race run in the UK’ – the Magnolia Cup.

According to Goodwood’s website, this is where ‘inspirational women race down Goodwood Racecourse’s home straight for the opening race on Thursday at Qatar Goodwood Festival’.

It’s been a challenging few years for the festival, which was due to welcome 5,000 racegoers through its gates on the final day of 2020 – but those plans were scrapped by the Government a day before it was due to go ahead because of the pandemic.

Goodwood managing director Adam Waterworth said at the time that the U-turn cost the track a ‘six-figure sum’ but the cost to racing was much, much bigger.

‘It has cost us six figures. But it was never a money-making exercise, it was about proving we could get crowds back,’ he said.

‘The loss is huge in what is already a year when there is no profit and the loss figure is getting bigger and bigger. Crowds are what we are all about.

‘Between 70 and 80 per cent of our revenue is directly due to people coming through the gates. It’s a big kick because there was a bit of light at the end of the tunnel having thought we had actually done it getting crowds back.’

Waterworth revealed to Sportsmail that the cancellation of the trial did, in fact, cost Goodwood over £250,000 and confirmed that the track lost millions from not having any racegoers in attendance throughout the whole season.

Goodwood held just 13 racedays – six less than usual – in 2020 due to rescheduling and all went ahead without any paying punters.