This year's G1 Melbourne Cup carnival celebrations are set for a different look, with the iconic street parade, which has been a feature since 1983, set to be replaced by an alternate event.
Significant road closures and major infrastructure works in the Melbourne CBD will prevent access to key streets, meaning the event, in its traditional format, is not possible this year.
Instead, the Victoria Racing Club will host a Cup Week live site at Petanque Social on Crown Riverwalk, with that announcement set to take place on Thursday.
Contrary to some reports, the amended format does not have anything to do with animal rights activists. The VRC has vowed to bring back the traditional event next year.
“The traditional Lexus Melbourne Cup parade has been disrupted by Victoria's Big Build across the city,” said VRC CEO Steve Rosich. “We are clear that our intent is to bring the parade back to the city when we can again next year.
“And whether that means we end up with this live site and a parade, we will certainly look at that possibility as well.”
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