Photographs show big smiles, vibrant outfits and quirky headwear at Brighton Racecourse’s Ladies Day.

On Thursday, the racecourse welcomed glamorous women dressed to the nines in brightly coloured dresses, spectacular hats and fascinators for a day of "sensational sport and style".

Women linking arms looked jovial and glowing as they arrived at the event, with the vivid colours of their outfits brightening up the blustery and dark day.

A group of women link arms in a range of vibrant outfitsA group of women link arms in a range of vibrant outfits (Image: Simon Dack)

One group of friends were pretty in pink as they sported co-ordinated outfits in blush tones.

Another chose purple for their matching ensembles, complemented by bright red hats and accessories.

Many outfits were enhanced with show-stopping headwear, ranging from classy fascinators to eclectic hats.

The brim of one navy sun hat was so wide it obscured the woman’s face while another was strewn with fruit and flowers.

A group of women pose in their purple get-upsA group of women pose in their purple get-ups (Image: Simon Dack)

One elegant woman in pink, who won the racecourse’s award for best dressed, sported a feather fan while another could be seen wearing a gold feathery fascinator.

2024 Festival of Racing Ladies Day style awards winner2024 Festival of Racing Ladies Day style awards winner (Image: Simon Dack)

Ladies Day marked the second day of the annual three-day Brighton Festival of Racing which features the Brighton Mile Challenge race.

The first race kicked off the afternoon at 2.30pm and was followed by the Brighton Challenge Cup.

A crowd at the racesA crowd at the races (Image: Simon Dack)

Joe Leavy, a 16-year-old apprentice from Wolverhampton, guided Lexington Knight to success in the feature race on day two of the festival.

As well as racing, guests were entertained with music, dancing and food.

A horse and jockeyA horse and jockey (Image: Simon Dack)

Brighton Racecourse said: “Ladies Day is the perfect reason to get a group of your nearest and dearest and enjoy a day out.

“With an average of 1,500 bottles of prosecco consumed across the festival, along with 1,000 bowls of fresh strawberries, this day is all about savouring the summer and making the most of the coastal surroundings.”

Today will see the culmination of the event with the six-furlong Brighton Bullet, in memory Harry Bloom, under way at 4pm.