Melbourne Cup Carnival: Birdcage revamp includes Bird Bath Bar, grand new entrance

It’s the jewel in Melbourne’s Cup Carnival crown, and celebs from Nicole Kidman to Snoop Dogg have partied here. Now the Birdcage getting a luxe Oscars-inspired facelift, with a secret bar and grand new entrance. SEE THE VIDEO

A giant “Bird Bath Bar” and grand new entrance modelled on events such as the Oscars will be unveiled in a revamped Birdcage enclosure at this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival

A 15m high bar — the biggest in the Birdcage — adorned with decorative wings and a baby grand piano will be built in the playground for the rich, famous and fashionable.

An entrance to rival the Brownlow Medal and New York’s Met Gala Ball will stop celebrities and fashionistas posing for pictures sent around the world.

And a secret bar will be hidden in Australia’s most prestigious parcel of corporate hospitality, as marquee partners shuffle positions on millionaire’s row beside the famous Flemington straight.

The Herald Sun can reveal the Victoria Racing Club’s blueprint to make the Birdcage — which has hosted the likes of Nicole Kidman, Elle McPherson, Snoop Dogg and Gina Rinehart — like nowhere else on earth.

A supplied render the giant “Bird Bath Bar” set for this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival.

VRC chief executive Neil Wilson said there was a push to take the Birdcage “to another level”, starting with a 12m wide, 23m long entrance with the full red carpet treatment.

“We are creating a very extravagant entrance that will have an imagery similar to a red carpet like the Oscars or a major event,’’ he said.

“People will feel that they’re walking into something very special … as we broaden that entrance to almost three times what it’s been previously.

“You see it with the Brownlow and the other major events around the world like the Oscars.’’

No less than 26 marquees will be built over 17,000 sqm in the Birdcage which will take 14 weeks to build.

Mr Wilson said the new Bird Bath Bar would “be a real hub of entertainment.’’

“It will be a real statement in the Birdcage, the guests of the various corporate marquees will be able to come into that environment and we think that will create a hype,’’ he said.

“It’s going to be the most Instagrammed asset on the course.’’

Channel 10, as broadcast partner of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, will make its debut in the birdcage with a marquee on millionaires’ row.

The grand new entrance will be modelled on red carpet events such as the Oscars. Picture: supplied render.

The corner space is prime position for its VIP set, alongside News Corp and luxury jeweller and retailer Kennedy which moves into a premium spot for the first time.

The VRC’s offering, The Perch, also sits in the mix, with wagering partner Tabcorp taking up its usual home on the end of the glamour strip.

Principal partner Lexus and the Furphy refreshing ale marquees, both at 10m high, will flank millionaires’ row with the VRC’s Bird Bath Bar in the thoroughfare featuring a baby grand piano in its 15m high cage.

Champagne Mumm, networking app Bumble, which will now run across all four days, and Seppelt Wines will return in the same positions as last year.

The VRC is upping the ante for its members and guests, offering 1 Oliver St, Bird Bath Bar, a secret bar and the grand 12m by 23m new red carpet entrance.

Channel 10 presenter Kate Peck and Playing for Keeps actor Isabella Giovinazzo at Flemington. Picture: Nicki Connolly

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Last year seven brands made their debut; party marquee Ultra, as well as the Pace Penthouse and AAMI are not returning.

Channel 10 presenter Kate Peck and Playing for Keeps actor Isabella Giovinazzo were first to check out the birdcage site.

Peck will report celebrity interviews for Ten and says it’s the best place to be at Flemington.

“We’re counting down the day til we can get in there and really put our mark on this year and our involvement,’’ she said.

“It’s like a big giant car park at the moment with the very bare bones of the Lexus tent. It doesn’t look anything like the spectacular setting that will explode onto November.”

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