RACING fans and music lovers have plenty to look forward to at York racecourse this year, with its 2017 season up and running after last week's action-packed Dante Festival.

About 35,000 people descended on the racecourse during the three-day festival, from Wednesday to Friday, despite heavy rain on the first day.

Attendances were about 12 per cent down on last year's Dante Festival, with the poor weather on Wednesday and the forecast of bad weather on Friday affecting crowd figures, according to James Brennan, head of marketing at the venue.

He said: "It is fantastic to be back on and racing again after sixth months off. It's a big jump to go into a festival like the Dante Festival.

"The weather could have been kinder to us. We had just over 35,000 people over the three days who kept the faith and were rewarded with first class action.

"People who disregarded forecasters on Friday enjoyed a pleasant day. The weather wasn't as bad as they forecasted.

"Racegoers enjoyed themselves over the three days. There were plenty of locally-trained winners".

James says there was a "good atmosphere" during the festival.

The racecourse is set for its first Saturday meeting this weekend.

"It's a good way to start the Bank Holiday Weekend, we hope", James added.

"The first Saturday is always a big thing".

Other events at the venue over the coming months include a Macmillan charity raceday on June 17, which is expected to raise about £400,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

It promises to be a fun-packed July at the racecourse, which gets under way with a new York raceday, on July 1, when X Factor star Olly Murs performs after a seven race card.

The Music Showcase Weekend, on July 28 and 29, will be filled with top class racing and live music, with pop sensation Jess Glynne and reunited girl band All Saints entertaining crowds on the Friday and Saturday respectively.