ROYAL Ascot's final act of 2005 was dubbed People's Saturday, as York racegoers flocked to Knavesmire to say farewell to a fantastic five days of racing.

A crowd in excess of 50,000 was expected for today's last day of racing, with as many as 8,000 York people alone packing into the Rails Enclosure.

In a week which has seen the city's profile surge on an international stage, today has been taken by York punters as a day in which they can "come out and party".

These sentiments were embraced by Ascot bosses, who said the theme of People's Saturday was a "brilliant idea" and "could not be more appropriate".

Rails enclosure ticket holder Matthew Smith, of Holgate, York, said it was a time for the "people of York to shown everyone how to party".

He said: "Let's make it a day to remember for what will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us all."

Maddy Vernon, 27, also of Holgate, said: "It will be a really special day, and I am sure that York people will help see off Royal Ascot in style."

Nick Smith, Ascot head of public relations, said: "From the start we wanted to make sure it was not just a national and international event,

but a focus for the region and the city of York.

"As a thank you for York's hospitality, help and patience, we decided to put on Rails Enclosure tickets for people who did not want to pay a racing rate.

"The fact that we got so many pre-sales for Saturday is an indication about how much the region has embraced the event."

When asked specifically about the event being branded People's Saturday, he said: "I think it is a brilliant idea. It could not be more appropriate." Kay Hyde, of York Tourism Bureau, said: "We are delighted with the support that local people have given to Royal Ascot at York. I think people have really got behind it.

"They have been supportive - restaurants, bars and hotels have all been fully behind the event and people have been really patient."

City dwellers have been reminded that the Streets Alive! Festival will still be in full swing over the weekend. Saturday sees a day of music and revelry in Parliament Street, while an Indian festival will bring the Royal Ascot experience to a close tomorrow.

Updated: 12:53 Saturday, June 18, 2005