Cairns Amateurs Carnival 2024
The Great Northern Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival is three days of fun, fashion, glamour, food and entertainment built around two days of horse racing in Cairns from Thursday 12th September till Saturday 14th September 2024
What began as a small meeting in 1959, designed to bring city and country together, has expanded over the years to become one of Australia’s premier spring horse racing carnivals. Operated by the Far North Queensland Amateur Turf Club Inc., their event has become widely and affectionately known as “The Cairns Amateurs”.
Sixty-six years on, the Cairns Amateurs Carnival is complemented by a host of social activities. There is a wonderful array of venues where you can watch the quality thoroughbred racing and gala events throughout the beautiful tropical city of Cairns, including a Fashion High Tea, President’s Welcome Cocktail Party and Gala Ball.
The beautiful mild September climate entices visitors from all around Australia and beyond. It is the perfect time of year to experience Tropical North Queensland’s premium spring racing carnival and all that our beautiful tropical paradise has to offer.
Thursday 12th September:
– Tropical Fashion High Tea
Treat yourself to a luxe morning of fabulous company, bubbles, fashion and delicious treats. Indulge in a selection of sweet and savoury delicacies with sparkling wine, tea and coffee while enjoying fashion parades by renowned designers and award-winning local milliners the latest collections from Myer Cairns and renowned local milliners. This year’s Tropical Fashion High Tea promises to be a delightful day out.
– Cairns Amateuers Welcome Cocktail Party
The Cairns Amateurs Welcome Cocktail Party is the traditional opening event of the Cairns Amateurs Carnival. It represents an opportunity to kick start the celebrations with VIPs and the Sponsors and other Stakeholders that make the three-day Carnival possible. This year’s event will be held in the heart of Cairns City at the magnificent pool deck of the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, and guests will be entertained by local favourite, Tony George.
Friday 13th September:
– Friday Races
With all the glitz and glamour surrounding the Cairns Amateurs Carnival event list, race lovers know the event doesn’t exist without the horse racing! Trackside, you won’t miss a minute at Cannon Park as these incredible racehorses showcase all the seasons’ preparation. With unbeatable records for trainer Stephen Massingham in 2022, punters will be madly watching those stables for performance and growth in the 2024 spring carnival. High-profile horse trainers from Brisbane are dubbed to return once again to Australia’s greatest regional carnival, this year celebrating its 66th anniversary with typical forecasted weather ahead; blue skies and sunshine.
– Ladbrokes Cairns Amateurs Gala Ball
Arguably the Far North’s most glamorous black-tie event, set in a waterfront marquee under the moonlight on the Cairns Esplanade Eastern Events Lawn. At the Ladbrokes Cairns Amateurs Gala ball, you’ll be treated to a delectable 3-course meal, prepared by the award-winning Coral Coast Catering, while enjoying premium beverages. Be entertained by Max Jackson, winner of the 2024 Country Music Association Australia Golden Guitar Award, followed by the pièce de résistance – a spectacular fireworks display. Guests will then dance the night away to much-loved local band, ‘No More No Less’. As a gala event, the dress code is strictly Black Tie, with a lounge suit and tie as the minimum requirement for men. Use this as an excuse to go all out; embrace the chance to get glammed up.
Saturday 14th September:
– Saturday Races
The headline acts present on Saturday as Cairns racetrack comes alive for the pinnacle event! A day where fine food, spring race-wear fashion and horse racing unite together in an ambience of unforgettable race day magic. Following the Gala Ball Friday evening, Saturday’s main event sees the crowds double, and the atmosphere at the winners post electric as punters join as one to cheer home their race selections. Whether you’re in the Friends of the Amateurs Enclosure, the Great Northern 1500 Club or a corporate Aviary Marquee, your most memorable occasion awaits your attendance this year at Cairns Amateurs Carnival.
For information and ticketing on all these events and race days visit Cairns Amateurs website!
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