The crowd is building at the Lismore Turf Club for the running of the 2023 Lismore Cup as keen punters and once-a-year racegoers enjoy a day at the races.

The temperature may be 34 degrees, but it hasn't deterred a lot of people from making their way to the track in North Lismore.

There was a question mark of how large the crowd would be given this is not a gazetted half-day public holiday, but as is always the case, the people of Lismore and surrounds have voted with their feet as thousands have turned up to support Lismore's signature race day.

Race 1 was won by Shadesofmidnight paying $2.70 for the win, while Belle Tycoon won race 2.

The popular Fashions of the Field judging got underway at 1:30 with the most fashionable ladies and gentlemen hitting the stage to try and win Most Fashionable and Best Fascinator.

Some fascinators came from as far as Melbourne while others were home made.

There were only two entrants in the male Most Fashionable NBNs Andrew Du and real estate agent Christopher Plim, but they took the opportunity to show off their dancing skills as the muci played.

Deputy Mayor Jeri Hall was one of the judges, "This is the highlight of my political career," she said as Andrew and Chris moved around the stage.

The finals will be at 2:30pm.

The 2023 Metroll Lismore Cup will be run at 4:35pm, the favourite in early betting is number 2 Holstein.

Some in the crowd, have friends who cannot get the day off, especially if they work outside of Lismore, but can still get entry into the Turf Club after 4pm for $10 which gets you the last two races, including the Cup, and you get to rock out to the Billy Gudgeon Band as they hit the stage at 5:20pm.

Food and bar will be open until 8:15pm.