23.03.10 - THE GRAND NATIONAL

Hats Off To The Races

A sneak preview of a spectacular hat which has been specially commissioned for this year’s John Smith’s Grand National festival was unveiled today during Aintree’s annual Northern Media Lunch.
 
The hat, which was designed and made by Rufford-based milliner Jean Ellis, is in celebration of Liverpool and features the city’s famous skyline along with a huge brim depicting the River Mersey.  It will be officially unveiled on Liverpool Day.
 
The hat is made up of around 5 metres of material including white habotai silk; sky blue silk crepe backed satin; buckram and sinamey.
 
Three metres of specialist millinery wire and buckram is used for the foundation of the hat and sinamey has been used to create the iconic Liverpool buildings which sit atop the River Mersey across the wide brimmed hat.
 
Jean, who comes from Gateacre, said: “Over the years I have created many hats specifically for the races but this one is extra special because I am originally from Liverpool.
 
“I have been commissioned before to make, so-called novelty hats, but what myself and the team at Aintree Racecourse are hoping to do with the Liverpool Day hat is to create something truly elegant.
 
“We wanted a stylish celebration of the city of Liverpool and the Grand National and I hope I’ve created something fitting for the occasion.
 
“Work is now well underway on the main structure of the hat and I’m working around the clock to make sure it is finished in time for its official unveiling at Liverpool Day.”
 
The Liverpool Day hat is among a host of attractions taking place on the opening day of this year’s John Smith’s Grand National meeting.
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The Bootleg Beatles have already been confirmed to perform following racing on the opening day, with many more announcements to be released over the next few days.