Raceday has come round again, with one of the most valuable flat meetings in Newbury’s calendar. But as part of the centenary celebrations, course managers have also laid on an inflatable assault course and bouncy castle for children. The meeting starts today, and concludes tomorrow with the £200,000 prize Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes – where a strong international field has excited the racing world.

Racecourse spokesperson Lisa Ward said: “It looks like being a super day with some great racing and lots of stimulating activities for the kids which should keep them happily entertained.”

The event has a 20% discount for advance bookings, with under-18s free, and you can book online. www.newbury-racecourse.co.uk

A battle royal

Civil war enthusiasts are gathering at Newbury’s John Rankin Junior School this weekend for a re-run of the First Battle of Newbury.

Parliamentarians and Royalists will square up for the first time in 350 years to re-enact the battle, while followers have set up a camp to show how the 17th century army lived.

Doors open at 11am, with tickets costing £5 (£3 for children). At noon, the King’s army will perform their drill, while the roundheads will drill at 2.30pm, before the two sides join for battle at 3pm. Food is on sale, and there is a bar.

Kings of swing

Newbury Spring Festival is in full-swing for big band jazz fans with Back to Basie Orchestra at the Corn Exchange on Sunday. They are joined by the Jiving Lindy Hoppers, a troupe who faithfully re-enact 1930s Harlem jiving. Promoters promise “fast and furious fun”. Tickets £15, doors open 7.30pm

http://www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk/BacktoBasie.htm