Beach Boys to play York Racecourse

The US band behind hits such as God Only Knows, Good Vibrations, California Girls and Surfing USA, will be on stage at Knavesmire after the racing action on Friday, July 25, the opening day of the Racecourse’s Music Showcase Weekend.

Tickets for the evening racing followed by the open-air concert by the Beach Boys are now on sale, starting from £20 per person as part of a group of six in the Grandstand and Paddock area, with accompanied children getting in free.

The group, formed more than 50 years ago, have often been dubbed America’s Band and more than 80 of their songs have charted.

James Brennan, the Racecourse’s head of marketing and sponsorship, said: “The Beach Boys have provided the soundtrack to the summer with hits like California Girls, Help Me Rhonda and I Get Around, so there is a real treat in store for racing and music fans alike,”

“When combined with some of the best thoroughbreds in the country, we believe we’re on to a winner by attracting them. They have performed live to 750,000 people at the Washington Monument and have sold over 100 million records, so it should be something special.”

The Beach Boys, who are still fronted by co-founder Mike Love, with early member Bruce Johnston also part of their touring line-up, will perform on a huge trackside stage after the last race.

Their potential setlist also includes Sloop John B, Fun Fun Fun and Wouldn’t It Be Nice. The show will not include Brian Wilson, who jointly formed the group, Al Jardine or David Marks.

Wet Wet Wet have already been confirmed for the Saturday night slot at the Music Showcase Weekend, on July 26.

Tickets for both nights, which are not available on a concert-only basis, can be booked at yorkracecourse.co.uk or by phoning 01904 620911.

County Stand tickets start at £33.50 per person in a group of six, and individual advance bookings are £34 for the County Stand and £21 for the Grandstand and Paddock.