NIGHTCLUBS are racing ahead with late opening hours planned for the Ayr Gold Cup weekend.

Ayr’s Furys will open until 3.30am for three nights in a row over the course of the huge event.

Cheeky Charlies in Troon has also  been granted permission to keep doors open until 3.30am on the Friday and Saturday of the weekend.

Both venues alongside the Vinyl club were given permission for the extended hours by South Ayrshire Council’s licensing board this week.

Licensing standards officer Catrina Andrew said: “As this is an annual event on the racing calendar and one which will bring many visitors to Ayr, I am satisfied it is an event of local or national significance.”

Furys got the go-ahead to host an MTV DJ night until 3.30am on Thursday, October 4, which will be broadcast on television at a later date.

Speaking at the licensing board meeting, manager Steven Muir said: “We will have a special guest DJ coming from MTV and it is a big night for us.”

Ms Andrew said: “Having spoken to the premises manager I understand this is expected to be one of the biggest nights of the year for the premises. MTV will be filming on the night and this will be broadcast. Therefore I accept the applicant’s description of ‘a special event on the premises’ as a reason for extending the hours.”

Councillors gave the nod of approval for 3.30am openings at Cheeky Charlies from October 4 to 6 for the Real Ale Festival in Troon.