On Thursday 31st October accredited media including Melbourne My Style were granted access to the exclusive preview of the 2019 new-look Birdcage Enclosure at Flemington Racecourse and were greeted by Brit Davis (the Birdcage insider), Tegan Martin (Melbourne Cup Ambassador), Elliot Garnaut (VRC official stylist), Georgia Connolly (VRC Ambassador) and the beautiful Lindy Klim who will be Seppelt Wines Stakes Day special guest.
The Birdcage this year features a new look entrance, featuring a sparkly pink carpet imported exclusively from Milan.
Marquees opened their doors for the very first time ahead of the 2019 Melbourne Cup Carnival which kicks off this Saturday with the Derby. Marquees this year include Lexus, Kennedy, Furphy, Tabcorp, Seppelt Wines, Network 10, Mumm, Bumble, Herald Sun House, ELLE, Incognitus and the VRC’s 1 Oliver St and Bird Bath Bar. Grinders will also unveil their Grinders Coffee Roasters Birdcage pop-up.
LEXUS
Lexus revealed Landmark by Lexus. The stunning glass facility featured a dynamic experience covering three levels of opulent indulgences including a Mecca refuel bar, Bento boxes by world class Chef Neil Perry and hot coals on the deck with the team from Ezy Pezy on the mid-level, finishing on the top floor which featured a restaurant by Oakridge and a stunning installation by renowned architect Koichi Takada. Flower installations appeared on each level by Joost Bakker and talent this year includes racing royalty Emma Freedman and Corey Brown alongside the 2019 LEXUS Melbourne Cup.
Kennedy
Kennedy will once again be the major sponsor of the Oaks, ‘ladies’ day’ being another racing highlight for the three-year-old fillies over 2500m, with $1 million in prize money and a stunning winner’s trophy. Media were greeted by the stunning Jaimee Kennedy and enjoyed the preview which included an overview of the luxurious styling, entertainment and food on offer with an incredible and very colourful vodka spritz station.
Network 10
Matt White welcomed guests to Channel 10’s Birdcage studio which will broadcast live from Flemington during the carnival. Live broadcasts will feature Studio 10, 10 News First and The Project.
Level One – Network 10 also provides a decadent space which included a DJ Booth, roaming menu by The Big Group as well as tantalising cocktails and performers. Todays star studded talent included, Francesca Cumani, Peter Moody, Matt White, Brittany Taylor, Kate Peck, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Jennifer Keyte, Rod Prosser and Toni Skaife.
Furphy
The Melbourne Pub inspired Marquee named Chapter One, will take guests on a journey to uncover Furphy’s connection to great storytelling. Because what is more refreshing than telling stories over Ice cold beer.
Designed by The Big Group and built by Republic Events Australia Furphy has the largest Marquee in the Birdcage this year with a capacity of 400 guests. The Melbourne gastro styled pub menu has been designed by Merivale and will be sure to keep belly’s full of hearty and simplistic food.
Media today were greeted by owners Adam and Sam Furphy.
Tabcorp
This year the Tabcorp marquee features hand painted larger than life hydrangeas which have been painted by a team of Melbourne Artists.
Guy Grossi serves up not to be missed food with an order on demand service across the four days which is mouth-watering and rotates with authentic Italian fare including, Salumi cones, Veal Ragu, Calamari and Arancini.
Melbourne dessert king Darren Purchese presents his exclusive Pavlova Station along with other delightful desserts.
VRC 1 Oliver Street
In its third year, the VRC 1 Oliver Street marquee once again promises to be the greatest party in the Birdcage enclosure and its easy to see why. Bon vivant
The iconic Flemington Racecourse will feature the who’s who of both International and local household names with invitations to the Birdcage the most sought-after ticket in town.
By Editor in Chief – Melinda Sullivan
Photography – Sam Tabone
#MelbCupCarnival #LoveCupWeek @FlemingtonVRC
