Emirates had Irish eyes smiling in Melbourne this weekend, providing a sneak preview into its Emirates Birdcage marquee with a cultural journey through Ireland, to showcase the theme for this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival. Topping the list on the night was a special live performance from Brian McFadden, who entertained guests with his version of U2’s ‘All I Want Is You’.
McFadden, who was accompanied to the Emirates event by wife Vogue Williams, will also be a special guest at the Emirates marquee on AAMI Derby Day, where he will entertain guests with an exclusive Irish performance.
Also providing an Irish display were the Christine Ayres Irish Dancers, recently crowned World Champions in Belfast. Headed by Liam Ayres, the current lead dancer in Riverdance, the troupe provided a display of Irish music and dance.
Guests were also provided with a taste of what to expect in the marquee’s Irish Country Kitchen this year with Minty Blarney Meatballs, Handmade Beef and Guinness Pies, Shamrock Pie and Classic Irish Stew all featuring on the menu during the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival.
While Guinness will be a definite starter in the marquee, Emirates has opted for an Irish twist, serving cocktails such as the Molly Malone and Limerick Lane, a heady mix of Ciroc Vodka, lime and apple juice and Monin Vanilla Syrup topped with soda and garnished with apple and mint. More adventurous guests will have the opportunity to try Irish Black Velvet, a combination of Mumm champagne and Guinness.
Officiating the evening’s events, Barry Brown, Emirates’ Vice President Australasia, said Emirates was excited to bring to life all the best known and cherished elements of Ireland in what will be an Irish cultural festival. “Australia and Ireland have a long and rich history, which can be further linked to the strong ties the two countries have with thoroughbred horseracing, particularly with the legendary Dermot Weld, being the first international to win a Melbourne Cup with Vintage Crop,” he said.
“With Emirates recently introducing its new one-stop flights from Melbourne to Dublin, it has made it easier than ever before for our Irish guests to join us at the world Famous Emirates Melbourne Cup.”
Inspired by famous landmarks of Ireland’s capital, the 2012 Emirates marquee will portray 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. Providing a luxurious trackside experience, the Emirates marquee will also provide guests with access to a dedicated air-conditioned Styling Suite that will include the Napoleon Perdis Lip Bar and makeup stations, where guests can try one of the beautiful new bright lipsticks for spring or experience a makeup touch up with one of Napoleon’s Core Creative Team who work with him behind-the-scenes at fashion weeks across the country and internationally.
Keeping in mind that ‘hat hair’ can become a fashion disaster, Emirates has also partnered with South Yarra stylist Conrad Mace to keep guests looking great throughout the day, while being pampered with a selection of classic Bvlgari fragrances.
The 2013 Emirates marquee will be the only marquee to have plumbed toilets, making it the ultimate in luxury for guests. 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.
Daily Service to Algeria
Meanwhile, following the recent launch of Emirates’ daily non-stop service from Dubai to Washington Dulles International Airport, the airline has announced that it will begin daily flights to Algiers from 1st March 2013.
“Algiers will be our 22nd destination in Africa, providing a wealth of new travel options for customers in Algeria, who will be able to fly non-stop to our industry leading hub in Dubai and conveniently connect to points across the Middle East, Asian subcontinent, the Far East and Australasia,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates’ Chairman and Chief Executive.
The non-stop service will leave Dubai at 08.45 and arrive in Algiers at 13.30. The return flight leaves Algiers at 15.35, arriving in Dubai at 00.55 the next day. An Airbus A330-200 in a three-class configuration will be deployed on the route.
Flights to Adelaide, Lyon, Phuket and Warsaw will also join the Emirates’ network in the coming months.
