Known as Newcastle’s biggest party, the Boxing Day races attract more than 16,000 people each year. With a full race program and multiple live entertainment, it’s the ultimate race day.

Track repairs have disrupted race meetings in recent months but this necessary maintenance work is on schedule and almost completed.

This year the December 26 race meeting will be a little different.

For starters, Boxing Day Big Top will be an all-ages event.

In the past, the race day has catered for a predominantly younger crowd. Mr Doris, a DJ from Ibiza, Spain, is sure to keep that age bracket happy on the Leger Lawn.

The club has decide to embrace the more traditional elements of a race day, such as fashions on the field, as well as entertainment for a broader cross-section of patrons.

Chunky Salsa will get the party started on the Emeri Fashion Lawn, and the club’s regular race day DJ will keep it going by playing top-40 hits.

Jive and salsa dancers will strut their stuff throughout the day and, at the Newmarket Bar, a jazz band will slow down the pace with some cool, chilled out sounds.

A three-course set menu will be offered at the club’s Chevals Restaurant, which enjoys a vantage point above the finishing post. Bookings are recommended.

As well as fashion on the field prizes, one lucky punter will enjoy a seven-day trip to Bali, courtesy of Newcastle Jockey Club.

And let’s not forget the stars of the show – the horses.

Tickets are available through Ticketek and cost $17. People aged 16 and under will be admitted free of charge. For more information, visit njc.com.au.

The club’s next race meeting is at Wine Country Race Club, Cessnock, on Saturday, December 10. There will be racing, full betting facilities, live entertainment and a festive atmosphere. Entry is $8 or $3 concession.