More than 5000 visitors are expected at the course on Sunday for East Lothian's largest Easter event which offers free entertainment and free entry for children aged under 16.

The first race of seven flat races is at 2.20pm but the family entertainment begins at noon and course officials are urging race goers and families to arrive early.

The fun day includes free funfair rides, face painting, bouncy castle, street entertainers, a bungee run and Easter Egg treasure hunt.

A Behind the Scenes tour with Clerk of the Course Anthea Morshead will give youngsters an insight in to how a racecourse operates on big race days and the Scottish SPCA Dog Agility Team will be put through their paces in the parade ring.

And while the children are enjoying themselves, parents can let off some steam with a flutter on seven top quality races, including the £20,000 feature race, the Musselburgh Gold Cup as the Scottish flat season gets underway.

Quality

Musselburgh Racecourse commercial manager Claire Sheppard said: "The weather forecast is looking fine and that will bring out families in their thousands so we are expecting a very busy day.

"With so many things going on to keep the children happy there can't be a better place to spend time on Easter Sunday and we are expecting another bumper crowd similar to last year so we would advise people to arrive early.

"While there is plenty to do for children, we haven't neglected the grown ups and the Musselburgh Gold Cup and six other quality races will get our flat season off to a flying start."

Entertainment Schedule: From noon — fairground rides, bungee run, bouncy castle and go-karts, Picnic Area; face painting, Links Pavilion marquee; Easter egg treasure hunt, Easter Bunny, magician, stilt walker, caricaturist, around the racecourse; 12.30pm to 1.15pm — Scottish SPCA Dog Agility Display Team, Parade Ring; 1pm to 1.30pm — behind the scenes tour with Anthea Morshead, Weighing Room.

Gates open at noon, the first race is off at 2.20pm and the last race is at 5.20pm. Children aged 16 and under are admitted free when accompanied with an adult.