Preparations underway for this year’s Randox Grand National Festival

Merseyside is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors to this year’s Randox Grand National Festival 2024.

The three-day festival - from Thursday 11 April to Saturday 13 April - is one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar, attracting more than 150,000 people to Aintree Racecourse and watched by an international television audience of around 800 million people.

Merseyside Police has a long tradition of supporting organisers of major events, and months of extensive planning has taken place with the Jockey Club and other emergency services and stakeholders to ensure visitors have a safe, 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. 

Superintendent Matthew Moscrop said: “As ever, we are expecting a large number of visitors to Aintree, and it is another prime opportunity to showcase what Merseyside has to offer.

“As with all big events, a considerable amount of planning from all partner organisations has been done in the run up to the three-day festival to ensure everyone who attends has a great time, and that it is memorable for all the right reasons.

“There are a number of plans in place to deal with any incidents that may arise and to prevent any significant or ongoing disruption to spectators and 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 treat the area with respect and to consider local residents who live around the racecourse.

“Visitors can help the organisers and themselves by allowing extra time to get to the course, arriving in good time and limiting the number of bags and other items they bring along. They should also expect to undergo the normal security checks, including bag searches.

“We will be deploying Project Servator officers in uniform and plain-clothes. These officers are specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may have criminal intent, such as gathering information that may help them plan or prepare to commit a crime.

“These deployments will appear at any time in and around the area of the racecourse, but the public should not be alarmed by this. Officers will be encouraging racegoers to help us make this a safe and enjoyable event by being our extra eyes and ears and to report anything suspicious to us.”

We ask the public to be vigilant and to immediately report anything that they see or hear that doesn’t feel right by telling a police officer, or by calling 101, or by calling the Anti-Terrorism 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.

Theft

We ask racegoers to be vigilant so you don’t become a victim of theft. Keep a close eye on your belongings, including bags, cash and mobile phones, at all times. Report any suspicious or criminal activity to officers in and around the course

Travel advice

Racegoers are being advised to plan their journey in advance and give themselves extra time to make their journey.
We have 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 taking into account 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 including Radio City, Capital FM, BBC Radio Merseyside and Heart North West.

More information can also be found on the official Aintree website:  https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/aintree/