Star Sports English Greyhound Derby Festival plans unveiled

Details of what racegoers can expect throughout the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby Festival have been announced.  

Live bands (listed below) will be playing after each night of the £175,000-to-the-winner Classic with a full programme of events planned for the day and night of the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby Final on Saturday, June 14. 

Themed nights will be staged throughout the five weeks of high-octane canine action. Band Nights will feature after racing each evening with live music from acts such as Urban, Funk Odyssey, One Night Stand and many more. Organisers have promised everything from rock anthems to soulful covers and party classics.  

Come the day of the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby Final, Towcester promises something never seen before at the venue. Doors will open at 10am with a whole host of activities for all the family to enjoy before racing that evening – first race is scheduled for 5.44pm. The Greyhound Derby itself is 9.15pm and the final race will be at 9.55pm. 

A KidZone will be housed inside a large vintage tent, while a packed programme throughout the day will include professional entertainers, jugglers, unicyclists, face-painting artists, magicians and much more. Young festivalgoers will also have the opportunity to enjoy on-stage games and ‘try-it-yourself’ challenges.  

A funfair will be run from 10am to 5pm, bringing thrills and excitement for every age group with dodgems, a climbing wall and trampolines, as well as test-your-strength strikers and an inflatable bungee run challenge. For those seeking a greater adrenaline rush, visitors can head over to the Derby Racer or the Miami Bench Ride!  

There will be a variety of food stalls to refresh festival racegoers throughout the day. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or a sweet treat, there will be something to satisfy every appetite as you explore everything the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby Festival has to offer.   

Music will begin at 11.30am with The Revellers Steel Band with Pure Genius to follow at 2.15pm. Further acts – including the festival headliners at 3.45pm – will be announced closer to the event.  

At 5pm there will be a FanCave Takeover full of entertainment and fan-focused fun until the National Anthem plays and Towcester heads into racing mode with the first of 15 races making up Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby Final night.  

After racing, visitors are welcome to continue the celebrations into the night with a disco in the Star Sports Lounge from 10.20pm.  

A spokesman said: “Whether you’re a lifelong greyhound racing fan, a family looking for a great day out, or simply someone who loves great music and delicious food, the 2025 Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby promises an unforgettable experience.” 

Book your tickets here or click on the acts below for more information:   

Band Nights Schedule (8 May – 7 June 2025): 

• Thu 8 May – Urban Intro

• Fri 9 May – Funk Odyssey (local band) 

• Sat 10 May – One Night Stand (local band)  

• Fri 16 May – Lodestone (local band) 

• Sat 17 May – Woods 

• Sat 24 May – One Night Stand (returning) 

• Sat 31 May – The Zoots 

• Sat 7 June – Fat Cats (local band)