It's already been a year of modern-day firsts at Great Yarmouth Racecourse.The opening fixture of the season on Easter Monday was called off after the unseasonable blizzards in East Anglia.

It's already been a year of modern-day firsts at Great Yarmouth Racecourse.

The opening fixture of the season on Easter Monday was called off after the unseasonable blizzards in East Anglia.

So now, the stalls will fly open at an extra meeting on April 18 - the first time the racecourse has ever staged a fixture on a Friday evening.

Glenn Tubby, general manager at Great Yarmouth Racecourse, said: “It was hugely disappointing to lose our traditional Easter Monday fixture to the weather, but we were in the same boat as many other attractions in and around the town.

“So, we're delighted to break new ground with a Friday evening meeting. Indeed, it is the first evening racing of the year on turf in Britain.

“It will be a superb opportunity for local people to get their weekend off to a great start with a night at the races.”

Admission gates will be open from 3pm on Friday, April 18. The first race is at 5.05pm, and the last is at 7.45pm.

As the meeting is an extra one, the racecourse is cutting admission prices for people booking in advance - before Wednesday, April 16. The premier enclosure costs £17 and the grandstand and paddock £10 - each representing a reduction of £2. Free parking is also available if booked in advance - another £2 saving.

For those visitors who want to make a special night of it, the Trafalgar Trackside Restaurant is cutting its prices by more than 30 per cent. Its evening package - including premier enclosure admission, a three-course dinner, a table for the evening, a racecard and a free parking pass - is £40, a reduction of £18.50. This must be booked in advance.

Ticket and restaurant bookings can be made by telephone on 01493 842527 or online at www.greatyarmouth-racecourse.co.uk.

The quality of the horse racing will be high too, with just under £40,000 of prize money on offer.

Senior citizens have been reminded about the racecourse's racing club which offers admission discounts to certain fixtures with an admirals pass. Membership must be obtained in advance of racing days. Anyone wishing to join the racing club, which is free of charge, should contact Lisa Cutter at the racecourse on 01493 842527.

*Admission: Premier enclosure £19 (£17 in advance by April 16); grandstand and paddock £12 (£10 in advance). Group discounts available. Accompanied children aged under 16 admitted free. More information at www.greatyarmouth-racecourse.co.uk.

Great Yarmouth Racecourse's 2008 fixtures - April: Friday evening 18; Monday 28. May: Monday & Tuesday 12 & 13; Wednesday & Thursday 28 & 29. June: Thursday 12; Tuesday evening 17. July: Thursday 3; Tuesday evening 15; Monday & Tuesday 21 & 22; Monday 28. August: Wednesday evening & Thursday 6 & 7; Wednesday 13; Monday evening 18; Sunday 24. September: Tuesday 16, Wednesday 17, Thursday 18. October: Tuesday 21; Tuesday 28.