Fashion and fun will dominate the track at Cairns Amateurs Carnival this weekend

Fun and fashion are set to dominate the track at the 65th Cairns Amateur Carnival kicking off on Thursday. Here’s everything you need to know.

Myer Cairns store manager Sharon Taylor, model Tahlia Smith and personal stylist Pip Addison get ready for the Cairns Amateurs high tea, held at the Cairns Esplanade Eastern Event Lawn on Thursday. Picture: Brendan Radke

From what to wear at the track to after-party, race excitement, here is everything you need to know about the 65th Cairns Amateur Carnival kicking off on Thursday, September 7.

The carnival’s four-day Sapphire Jubilee program promises to be full of fun, fashion, and racing events.

Bright dresses and cloudy skies are forecast for this weekend’s Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting showers to return at the end of the week.

A Bureau spokesman said sunny conditions would persist until Thursday, with a chance of showers returning to the coast on Friday.

“Showers are set to return for the latter part of the week and weekend. They won’t be heavy, but definitely a change in comparison to the weather pattern we’ve seen recently,” the spokesman said.

Morning temperatures are set to remain on the cooler side at a top of 19 degrees, with daytime and overnight temperatures set to remain around 26 or 27 degrees.

“At this stage, we’ll mainly see increased shower activity and stronger wind flows along parts of the north tropical coast in general,” he said.

Despite the gloomy forecast, trackside fashions are expected to be bright and bold, kicking off the racing weekend with the Gordon’s Pink Jubilee Fashion High Tea on Thursday, September 7.

Model Tahlia Smith is looking forward to the Cairns Amateurs high tea, held at the Cairns Esplanade Eastern Event Lawn on Thursday. Picture: Brendan Radke

Around 500 guests are expected to attend the fashionable event which will feature key pieces from Myer Cairns Spring/Summer ‘23 collections in a fashion parade showcase which will include the hotly contested Lady of the Day and Best Millinery competitions.

Cairns Amateurs Carnival President David Goodman said the parade was a carnival highlight and nominated pink as the colour of the day.

“Guests will see plenty of pink and spring inspired theming in keeping with Gordon’s pink branding, along with high tea goodies from Ochre catering,” Mr Goodman said.

The Gordon’s Pink Jubilee Fashion High Tea will be held on the Eastern Events Lawn of Cairns Esplanade from 11am to 2pm.

In what will be its biggest Fashions on the Field competition to date, Cairns Amateurs Carnival in conjunction with Cairns Central and major event partners have joined forces to promise winners a share in its biggest and most aspirational prize pool to date valued at more than $30,000.

Model Tahlia Smith and personal stylist Pip Addison get ready for the Cairns Amateurs high tea, held at the Cairns Esplanade Eastern Event Lawn on Thursday. Picture: Brendan Radke

This year’s judges include Carnival Ambassador Emma Scodellaro, Australia’s multi-award winning “Gentleman of the Day” competitor Neil Carpenter, and multiple Fashions on the Field winner Crystal Kimber.

Sharing her top tips for fashionistas, Cairns Amateurs Carnival Ambassador Emma Scodellaro said she will be looking for something completely unique.

“I am attracted by originality, colour and an outfit that suits the wearer’s individual style. I am

also influenced by a wow factor with personal touches that make it stand out from the

crowd,” Ms Scodellaro said.

“Most of all, I’m looking for every person to have fun with their outfit, enjoy the process of putting it together and bring it to the stage with a big smile.”

The party continues on Friday night when style and sophistication comes together for a supercharged Sapphire Jubilee Ball on the Eastern Event Lawn on the Cairns Esplanade.

Mr Goodman said the committee had worked hard to integrate new and existing event infrastructure at Cannon Park to deliver a more intimate and atmospheric racegoer experience.

“We know our members will embrace their comfortable new surroundings while the younger, Picnic on the Lawn revellers will love their new spot, closer to the action that will dot the grassed area with tables and market umbrellas for a festive feel,” he said.

Mr Goodman said the changes are about enhancing the racegoer experience, spelling a bright future for the Cairns Amateurs Carnival.

Originally published as Fashion and fun will dominate the track at Cairns Amateurs Carnival this weekend