Gala Ball set to be big night out

Get your dancing shoes out - the Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball is set to go off with a pop! PLUS: ALL YOUR FASHION TIPS FOR THE CUP

GET your dancing shoes out - the Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball is set to go off with a pop!

That’s according to the club’s marketing & sponsorship executive Nadia Eneas Silva.

Preparations at the racecourse have entered overdrive to deliver punters a fantastic evening of entertainment on Saturday night.

“(It’s) really busy, really busy, we’re working a lot but that’s fine when you see the results on the race days, and everybody enjoying a good day,” she said.

The Gala is one of the ‘champagne’ events of the Cup long weekend, and Ms Eneas Silva said it was fast becoming the biggest event on the Darwin social calendar as there are few other opportunities to get really dressed up.

“Darwin is pretty well known for the fishing shirts, but if you have an opportunity to dress up, well of course you have to enjoy (it),” she said.

Nadia Eneas Silva ahead of the Darwin Cup Gala Ball. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“I just like to see everybody having a fun good time. And taking nice pictures wearing beautiful dresses.”

The Sportsbet Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball is on Saturday July 30 from 6.30pm.

Milliner’s tips for Darwin Cup headwear

IT’S not a race day without a spectacular piece of millinery.

But for Peacock Millinery designer Belinda Osborne, it’s ease that’s the best thing.

“Comfort is my number one tip,” she said.

“A day at the races can be a long day, a proper fitting piece that is lightweight is a must.

“A milliner can help you with choosing headwear to suit your style.”

Milliner Belinda Osbourne offers her tips to make a splash on Cup Day. Picture: Glenn Campbell

As always, Ms Osborne is in high demand this year. One of Australia’s top milliners, she won the Melbourne Cup Carnival’s prestigious Myer Millinery award in 2021.

“(This time) is extremely busy with many major race events worldwide, including the Darwin Cup Carnival,” she said. “It can be quite chaotic in the studio in the lead-up to the carnival; it sees me working long hours to design and create headwear for all my clients.”

Ms Osborne said the great part of cup fashion was to get involved in tradition and explore what works for you.

“It is a chance to accentuate your personal style,” she said.

On Monday Ms Osborne will be wearing a dress by Perth Designer Only One Ashley and, of course, headwear by herself.

Experts reveal fashion tips for Darwin Cup

STRUGGLING for what to wear this Cup day?

Darwin’s bright tropical race wear is unique for not following the same strict conventions as the rest of the country.

According to Darwin Turf Club fashion on the field judge Christine Spielmann, there is no judgment for wearing something a bit different.

It’s all about supporting local dressmakers and retailers, she said.

“We’re very accepting of just all different types of race wear,” Ms Spielmann said.

The Fashions on the Field judge would know better than most.

She first competed in fashions in the field at 19, and has been “hooked” ever since.

Darwin Cup Fashion Judge Christine Spielmann. Picture: Glenn Campbell

In 2020 she won the Myers Fashion on your Front Lawn national prize at the Melbourne Cup, and this year she has transitioned to judging alongside Brooke Prince and Hannah West.

As a judge, Ms Spielmann said she would be looking for someone with a bit of X-factor, as well as “lots of balance and architectural lines.”

“The greatest outfit you will ever wear is something you really want to wear, and your confidence will shine on stage,” she said.

Ms Spielmann revealed her entire outfit would be locally made including dress, millinery and shoes, but wouldn’t divulge any further details.

“I’m going to leave it as a surprise. Like all good Fashions on the Field entrants do, the judge shall do as well, it’s a bit more exciting,” she said.

Attitude for Men owner Darlene Chin’s weekend will be just as busy as Ms Spielmann’s.

She’s expecting to be flooded with last minute shoppers come Monday.

“My busy days are coming up… Saturday’s like Christmas Eve,” she said.

Ms Chin said there were no strict rules for what to wear on Cup Day, rather they have customers looking for everything from full suits to some of their most fun and colourful shirts.

“It’s a good time for fashion here in Darwin… It keeps us going until Christmas,” she said.

Entries to Fashions on the Field will be open for Palmerston Sprint Saturday July 30 and Darwin Cup Monday August 1. This year’s theme is The Thrill of Racing and will also feature a millinery, over 40’s and men’s competition.

Businesses gear up for busy Cup Carnival

TOP End businesses are gearing up for the flocks of punters expected to arrive this week for the main events of the beloved Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival.

Accommodation and hospitality venues across Darwin are expecting larger than normal numbers.

Big 4 Hidden Valley park manager Dani Walter said they had been “super busy” all Dry Season, with 50 per cent of bookings at the weekend for people attending the Cup Carnival.

Ms Walter said the park in particular had enjoyed the return of international visitors.

“It’s good to hear some accents back,” she said.

Hilton Darwin general manager Markus Kaliss said the level of accommodation demand had “exceeded our expectations”, with no rooms left.

“There appears much more demand for the Darwin Cup than prior to Covid which is reflected in occupancy levels and rates,” he said.

At Hotel Darwin, manager Penny Phillips said they had welcomed more people through their doors this year compared to the previous two and were anticipating to be busier this week for the Cup.

“Usually sometimes we think it can’t get any busier and then Darwin Cup comes around,” she said.

“There’s plenty more people in the pub. It’s a really good fun weekend.”

Hotel Darwin worker Hayley MacDonald is excited for Cup weekend. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Ms Phillips said the Hotel had organised live music after the event to keep crowds entertained.

She added while the increase in customers was welcome, Hotel Darwin struggled to keep up with demand due to a lack of staff.

“We’re trying not to get too upset about it and do the best we can,” she said.

Darwin Turf Club marketing manager Steve Taylor said they were anticipating to welcoming 15,000 people to the races on August 1 and about 18-19,000 people across the week’s events.

This year’s race will be the first time since 2019 the event will operate without significant travel restrictions and Mr Taylor said they had recorded “a massive uptake” for tickets from the east coast.

He said the main event would be sold out by Monday, with visitors to the Territory to be joined by strong local numbers.

“Most of the community in the Top End take advantage of that public holiday and come down to the track,” he said. On Wednesday, punters are welcome to the Darwin Corporate Park Race Day.

Thursday is the Let’s Talk Racing Luncheon and on Saturday is the Palmerston Sprint.

Hundreds will get dolled to the nines for the Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball on Saturday, while the Ladbrokes Calcutta is on Sunday.

The main event, the Great Northern Darwin Cup is on Monday.