Emirates has announced that Dublin will be the theme for its renowned Birdcage marquee at this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival. Inspired by famous landmarks of Ireland’s capital, the Principal Partner of the Emirates Melbourne Cup will take guests on a cultural journey of Dublin. The exterior will capture the charm of a typical Dublin high street with its iconic shop fronts, while inside guests will be steeped in history, with the main section of the marquee based on the Long Room from Trinity College. The marquee design will include authentic bookcases in a nod to Dublin’s rich literary history.
The menu will feature classic Irish dishes with a modern twist, while Irish-themed cocktails will be served as guests take in the trackside views. Guests will be treated to performances by the Christine Ayres Irish Dancers, who were recently crowned the world’s best in Belfast. The 2012 Emirates Melbourne Cup Carnival will bring together an Irish festival of food, music, culture and literature.
“With an estimated six million Australians having Irish heritage, and with Ireland and Melbourne having a strong link to thoroughbred horseracing, particularly through legendary Irish trainer Dermot Weld, we are expecting major interest from our Irish visitors at this year’s Emirates Melbourne Cup,” said Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications. “Emirates introduced its new one-stop flights from Dublin to Melbourne earlier this year, speeding up travel times in each direction and making it easier than ever for people to come to Melbourne to witness the ‘race that stops the nation’.”
The 2012 Melbourne Cup Carnival will celebrate a number of milestones, including the 15th year of Emirates’ involvement, 10 years of the Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour, and 50 years of Fashions on the Field.
Derby Day kicks off the Melbourne Cup Carnival on 3rd November, with the Emirates Melbourne Cup on 6th November and Oaks Day on 8th November, while the Carnival culminates with Emirates Stakes Day on 10th November.
