Sydney's foreshore playground, Barangaroo, will come alive this Lexus Melbourne Cup Day as the city's official live site for 'the race that stops a nation on Tuesday November 5.
Now in its third year, the precinct's Cup Day Festival promises an exciting program of live entertainment, sensational culinary adventures, food trucks and bars. Hosted by Network 10 presenter Natarsha Belling and media personality Shura Taft, from 12pm to 9pm the waterfront precinct will be the go-to destination for lovers of fashion, food, entertainment and Australia's most loved and iconic world-class event.
The best part – entry to Cup Day Festival is completely free!
Thanks to Victoria Racing Club (VRC), together with the Club's official Champagne partner G.H. Mumm Champagne and The Streets of Barangaroo, throughout the day multiple big screens around the precinct will broadcast Network 10's racing coverage directly from Flemington, ensuring that not a moment of the action from the track is missed. Punters can also soak up the racing atmosphere with TAB betting facilities on site.
Culinary enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with an assortment of food trucks and restaurants serving delicious treats. Included on this year's menu is authentic American and Mexican cuisine from Nighthawk Diner.
Adding to the experience, Cup Day Festival boasts an exciting line-up of alcoholic and non-alcoholic offerings. Whether it's a glass of Mumm Grand Cordon or Grand Cordon Rosé Champagne from the luxurious Mumm Champagne harbourside Terrace, or one of seven refreshing brews on offer along with Jameson Dry & Lime from the Craft Beer Garden, attendees will have no trouble finding the perfect beverage accompaniment.
Headlining the stellar lineup of DJ performances throughout the day is hip-hop sensation YO! MAFIA. Renowned for her incredible ability to blend and mix a variety of genres into one big party set, YO! MAFIA will have the crowd partying into the evening and celebrating long after the final race has been run.
VRC Executive General Manager Customer Engagement Caroline Ralphsmith said the third incarnation of Cup Day Festival will bring the best of Australia's premier racing event to Sydney's doorstep.
"Sydneysiders and visitors to the harbor city are invited to immerse themselves in all the colour and excitement of Flemington. With thousands attending last year, Cup Day Festival is bound to be the biggest Lexus Melbourne Cup Day celebration in Sydney. Whether you're making a day of it, or coming after work, Cup Day Festival is one event not to be missed!" Ms Ralphsmith said.
A commitment to environmental sustainability across the board for Cup Day Festival will see a circular economy solution to beverage cups and water bottles. A re-useable cup scheme will eliminate all single use plastics from the event, saving approximately 11,000 cups from going to landfill. In addition, re-useable water bottles will be sold in place of the standard plastic vessel.
