The Victoria Racing Club have today announced the launch of PALOOZA, the brand-new, festival-style extravaganza in association with Live Nation APAC and Ticketmaster Australia that gives fans the chance to break free from the formalities of the traditional Melbourne Cup in what will be the ultimate party of the year, located in The Nursery.
Palooza will be the perfect place to celebrate Cup Week at Flemington with friends, with an incredible line up of talent set to take to the stage across the four days of the carnival offering non-stop entertainment.
The epic program of performances will commence on Penfolds Victoria Derby Day and showcase the most sought after acts in dance music including performances from Crooked Colours, Felix Da Housecat, Late Nite Tuff Guy and Odd Mob.
Palooza will continue on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, with Ministry of Sound Anthems taking over the stage featuring sets from Tonite Only, Tommy Trash, Groove City, John Course and Karina Charvez.
Kennedy Oaks Day will see the sensational Kah-lo leading the lineup, accompanied by captivating performances from Running Touch DJ Set and Sneaky Sound System.
The entertainment offering in Palooza will reach its crescendo on TAB Champions Stakes Day with exclusive performances from Jax Jones and Topic, who will bring the Palooza to a close on the final day of Cup Week along with a lineup of other sensational acts yet to be announced.
The VRC and Live Nation will reveal more artists who will perform in Palooza over the coming months.
With a casual vibe and smart dress code, Palooza will include an all-inclusive drinks package featuring a selection of Squealing Pig Wines (red, white, rose and sparkling), Premium Beers, Smirnoff Sodas and Schweppes soft drinks. Tickets also include a food credit redeemable across a variety of top-rated tasty food trucks.
Tickets to Palooza go on sale today at 3.00pm, with tickets for general public racegoers $395 on Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, $445 on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day and $295 on Kennedy Oaks Day and TAB Champions Stakes Day, with reduced prices for VRC Members across all four days.
There will be also opportunity for racegoers to upgrade their Palooza experience with a VIP ticket, which will provide a VIP entry lane and viewing deck to catch all the action on stage, a dedicated undercover area, access to the private Pimm’s Garden and private bar, betting facilities and amenities.
VRC Chief Executive Steve Rosich said Palooza will enrich the Cup Week experience and bring new audiences to Flemington to celebrate the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
“The festival experience is bigger and better at Flemington during Cup Week and the addition of Palooza will deliver the ultimate nursery carpark experience for the general public” Mr Rosich said.
“With an all-inclusive Palooza ticket which includes festival entertainment bought to you by Live Nation, a drinks package and food from some of Melbourne’s top food trucks, we are billing Palooza to be better than your own backyard during Cup Week.”
Live Nation Special Events, General Manager, Damian Costin said that Palooza is a commitment from both parties to create an immersive experience for music enthusiasts, leaving attendees with cherished memories of this exceptional event series during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
“Live Nation’s partnership with the VRC on Palooza marks an exhilarating collaboration for the 2023 event and beyond,” Costin said.
“With a diverse and curated line-up of local, established, and international artists, this spring carnival promises a phenomenal festival event filled with unforgettable moments of joy, dance, and extraordinary music.”
Ticketmaster Australia’s Head of Content and Strategic Relationships Rob D’Orazio said it was fantastic to be working with the VRC and Live Nation.
“We are thrilled to be working with the VRC and Live Nation Special Events to bring Palooza to life. Working with our partners to help deliver exciting new content, supported by world- class ticketing technology to create new and unforgettable experiences for fans, is what we do.”
The 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins on Saturday 4 November with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 7 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday 9 November, and concludes with TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 11 November.
The full schedule of performances in Palooza can be accessed here. Melbourne Cup Carnival tickets can be purchased via www.vrc.com.au.
