Thousands of people enjoy the summer sunshine during Plate Day at Newcastle Racecourse

Thousands of punters flocked to Newcastle Racecourse today, to make the most of 2022's edition of the annual Northumberland Plate Festival.

Also known as Plate Day, the event sees a flat handicap horse race which is ran at the Gosforth-based Racecourse each year in late June or early July. The Plate Day race is open to thoroughbred horses aged three years or older and is run over a distance of 2 miles and 19 yards.

First established in 1833, the event was eventually transferred to its current venue at Newcastle Gosforth Park in 1882.

Read more: Plate Day at Newcastle Racecourse LIVE: Updates from our biggest day in the racing calendar

It's certainly a huge deal to the people of the North East, with many considering it to be the region's version of Royal Ascot while others claim it's the biggest day of the racing calendar year-round.

Although the racing did not begin until 1.15pm, many took the opportunity to head down to the event early, dressed to impress to enjoy food and drink in the 21C heat.

This year's main event - the JenningsBet Northumberland Plate Race, was won by Trueshan ridden by jockey Hollie Doyle and trained by Alan King

Thousands enjoying the hot weather at the Northumberland Plate festival at Newcastle race course, Gosforth (Newcastle Chronicle)

On Saturday evening there will be a live DJ performance from Pete Tong, who is expected to play a litany of anthems for racegoers with a 65-piece orchestra and spectacular visual show including lasers.

After Tong finishes his brand-new set, Aveika restaurant in Newcastle will be holding an official after party - with free entry for anyone holding a valid Plate Day ticket.

Six shuttle buses will be operating to the Quayside after the races finish.

Thousands enjoying the hot weather at the Northumberland Plate festival at Newcastle race course, Gosforth (Newcastle Chronicle)

Chronicle Live sent a photographer down to Plate Day this afternoon, to snap some candid shots of the region's biggest racing event.

Find out if you were photographed, here.

Read next:

• Plate Day at Newcastle Racecourse 20 years ago - 10 photos of a ladies' day out

• Prices for prosecco, beer and wine for Plate Day at Newcastle Racecourse

• Plate Day and the rail strike - travel advice for those heading to Newcastle Racecourse

• Newcastle Plate Day weather forecast - here's what to expect on Saturday

• Newcastle Plate Day 2022 food rules - can we take snacks and drinks into the racecourse?