Race-goers arrived in their finery at the Boylesports Ladies’ Day in Newmarket today, determined not to let the torrential showers spoil the occasion.

The weather may have been wet, but the atmosphere was jubilant as the first day of the Moët & Chandon July Festival at the July Course got under way.

The festival - which is over three days - is hailed as one of Britain’s most stylish summer events, with some race-goers spending months planning their outfits.

While some invest in brand new attire, others prove second-hand and vintage clothing can be just as, if not more, stylish and striking.

Dawn Norman, 55, from Norfolk, made her pink, ice-cream sundae patterned outfit after being inspired to sew by BBC Two’s the Great British Sewing Bee.

“I love it,” she said. “It’s just unique. I didn’t want to go to Newmarket and meet someone who’s wearing the same dress as me.”

Dawn Vincent, and her friend Kelly Cunningham, both aged 40 and from Liverpool, were at Newmarket races as it was on their “bucket list”.

Mrs Vincent, who has had breast cancer, said: “Kelly was my best-friend from high school and over the years we have done Aintree and Chester, but Newmarket was always a little bit too far to go, but we said ‘actually, no it’s not’.”

Mrs Vincent’s stand-out lime green and purple dress was made especially for her by a local dressmaker, and her hat is also handmade. She already had the shoes and the bag - which are from Dune - and they were the inspiration for the rest of the outfit.

Tara Smith, 24, from Lakenheath, who was with her friend Angie Scott, 29, from Beck Row, said: “It’s nice to get all dressed up and feel good and make an effort. It’s a nice day out - even in the rain.”

After starting to think about her outfit back in April, she settled on a mint green theme, with a Ted Baker dress and bag and Office shoes.

Meanwhile, Mrs Scott got her dress - a brand new Oasis number - from a car boot sale at a cost of only £1.50. Her Kurt Geiger shoes were full price.

Tomorrow is Gentlemen’s Day while Saturday is the Darley July Cup Day.

The best-dressed race-goers can win an array of prizes in Fashion at the Festival, which is sponsored by the Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel in Newmarket.