This demands ALL the attention!(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

The 24 best hats at Plate Day 2026 as headwear proves a highlight at Newcastle Racecourse

27 Jun 2026, 13:23 by Simon Duke, Simon Greener · ChronicleLive

One thing that is already guaranteed at Plate Day is some amazing hats and nobody let the side down with their headwear this year, with some great ones on show at Newcastle Racecourse on Saturday. And here we have picked our cream of the crop.

Back 12 months ago, the forecast of some showers throughout the say sadly proved to be true, with people having to take shelter to protect their outfits as the rain came. In stark contrast to last year, it was warm weather all the way this time round, with the heatwave of the last few days continuing into the weekend, as temperatures in the late 20s greeted the crowds who headed to Gosforth.

A ChronicleLive photographer was at the Racecourse on cue for gates opening around 11.30am and was soon snapping away, as well dressed racegoers started to flood in. And there was no escaping the amount of brilliant hats that started to arrive.

Whether ladies picked huge hats or went for more intricate but still very colourful fascinators, their fashion choices definitely demanded attention, as the big trend for 2026 - polka dots - were accessorised to great aplomb. When it came to the Plate Day headwear, this year might have been the most impressive for some time.

Here are our our picks for the best hats at Plate Day 2026. See if you or anybody you know has made the cut by having a look at the photos below.

This looks great!(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Tres chic!(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

A great look(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Loving this ensemble(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Very colourful(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

This is a great outfit(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

One of the looks of the day!(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)