Merseyside Police Ensures Safety for Impending Randox Grand National Festival
Merseyside is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors to the Randox Grand National Festival 2026 this week.
The three-day festival, which takes place from Thursday 9 April to Saturday 11 April, is one of the biggest events in the global sporting calendar and attracts more than 150,000 people to Aintree.
It is also broadcast live to a television audience of around 800 million people worldwide.
Merseyside Police has a long tradition of supporting organisers of major events in partnership with other emergency services and stakeholders, with months of extensive planning taking place by experienced officers and staff, to ensure that everyone has a great time and enjoys the event safely.
With public safety as a priority, we have been working closely with the Jockey Club at Aintree Racecourse and our partner organisations in the region so that visitors have a memorable and enjoyable time.
As a result, racegoers should expect to undergo a series of security checks including bag searches, and badge checks. Only pre-booked vehicles will be allowed onto the Aintree site and there are parking restrictions around the course, which will be rigorously enforced.
We are reminding people to plan ahead, respect each other and enjoy themselves responsibly.
Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton said: “As with every year, we are expecting many visitors to the region to enjoy this festival of racing, which is a prime opportunity to showcase many of the great things Merseyside has to offer.
“As with all big events, we carry out extensive planning alongside all partner organisations in the run up, to ensure everyone who attends the races has a great time, stays safe, and it is memorable for all the right reasons.
“Racegoers and other visitors can help us and the racecourse staff by giving themselves extra time to get to the course and limiting the number of bags and other items they bring along. Everyone should expect to undergo the normal security checks. I’d like to thank people in advance for their patience and cooperation in these essential checks. Your safety is our priority.
“There are plans in place to deal with any incidents that may arise and to prevent any significant or ongoing disruption to spectators, local residents and businesses.
“Anti-social behaviour, hate crime, disorder and other criminal activity will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly. If you see someone acting suspiciously or committing a crime, then please speak to an officer on patrol or contact us directly.
"I would also ask visitors to consider residents who live near the racecourse and treat the area with respect.
“There will be a highly visible and increased police presence in and around the area of the racecourse, but the public should not be alarmed by this. We will also use less visible security measures including plain-clothes officers and live-monitored CCTV – all to help us ensure a safe and enjoyable event.”
We ask the public to be vigilant and to immediately report anything that they see or hear that does not feel right by telling a police officer or a member of racecourse staff, by calling 101, or by calling the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always call 999.
Forged badges
Anyone thinking of using forged tickets or badges should be warned that there are comprehensive checks in place to stop them getting into the course and they are at risk of being arrested. Operations are also in place in the lead up to the event to prevent sales of counterfeit badges or tickets and target offenders.
If you buy a forgery, you are supporting an illegal trade and handing your money over to criminals. If you think you have unwittingly bought a forged ticket, or have information on where they are being sold, please call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, and we will take the appropriate action.
Theft and personal safety
We ask racegoers to stay vigilant, so you do not become a victim of theft. Keep a close eye on your belongings, including bags, cash and mobile phones. In particular, keep mobile phones out of your back pocket and out of sight, and report any suspicious or criminal activity to officers in and around the course.
If you are heading out after the races, be aware of your surroundings, and stay mindful of your belongings.
Travel advice
Racegoers are being advised to plan their journey in advance and give themselves extra time to make their journey. Please visit the Merseytravel website for more information.
The force has been working closely with a range of partners to make sure people are aware of their travel options and the restrictions on parking around the course. During the meeting the roads around the racecourse can become congested and some are closed to traffic.
Those who do travel by car are advised to car share where possible or get a friend or relative to drop them within a walkable distance from the course, and leave plenty of time to get into the event for the start of the racing programme each day.
Parking facilities close to the course are severely limited and there is an extensive "No Waiting" area around it. Traffic will be strictly controlled, and enforcement carried out in line with the security operation and considering the needs of local residents in the surrounding streets.
Aintree railway station is one minute walk from the main entrance to the racecourse. Regular trains will be running on all three days to and from Liverpool and from Ormskirk. Racegoers are advised to check travel details before they leave home.
Information on buses and trains is available on the Merseytravel website - www.merseytravel.gov.uk, the Merseyrail website - www.merseyrail.org and via X at @merseytravel or @merseyrail.
Regular traffic updates will also be broadcast by local radio stations.
More information can also be found on the official Aintree website: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/aintree/