Thousands flock to Grand National's Ladies Day at Aintree Published duration 5 April 2019

image copyright PA image caption Racegoer Karen Bettany caught the eye with her flamingo fascinator

From flamingo fascinators to fashionable frocks, thousands of women have been turning on the style for the Grand National festival at Aintree.

Ladies Day is traditionally one of the biggest days in Merseyside's social calendar when women - and men - are invited to dress to impress.

Taking place ahead of Saturday's Grand National , Ladies Day attracts up to 50,000 people.

image copyright AFP image caption Friends gathered to enjoy the fun, despite a cool and breezy forecast

image copyright PA image caption The fashion stakes are equally as important as hopefuls brave the queue to enter Aintree's Style Award

image copyright AFP image caption The occasion provided more than a few photo opportunities for punters

image copyright PA image caption Feathers and flowers prove a popular choice for accessories this season

image copyright Reuters image caption It's not just the women who dress to impress on Ladies Day

image copyright Reuters image caption The Grand National event lasts three days, with the big race taking place on Saturday at 17:15 BST

image copyright Getty Images image caption Thousands gather to watch the popular race meet at Aintree

image copyright PA image caption Andrea and Alan Hawksey enjoying a day out at the second day of the Aintree Festival

image copyright Getty Images image caption Hats off to these racegoers who donned their finest headwear for Ladies Day

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