Melbourne Cup: Carnival set to deliver party on and off track

Melbourne Cup Carnival is officially off and racing, with organisers expecting bumper crowds this November.

9News got a first-hand look at the action on and off the track at Flemington Racecourse today.

Among the highlights is ‘The Park’, where attendees will be treated to a range of musical acts, delicious food- and plenty of champagne courtesy of Mumm.

As for key trends this year, experts predict the Duchess of Sussex’s style will be a sartorial touchstone for attendees.

“There’s going to be a lot of Meghan Markle-inspired outfits. It’s the year of royal weddings, so lots of colour, florals and 80s inspired outfits,” Fashions on the Field Ambassador Kirsten Clemens said.

For the men, ambassador and blogger Dalton Graham said, “No socks and no belt.”

To top the look off, milliner Kim Fletcher said “hats with brims” will be a popular choice.

With all the off-field fun, racing royalty Gai Waterhouse was keen to remind punters of all the thrilling on-track action.

“All this other pizzazz goes on as part of it, but it’s a horse race that brings the people here,” Waterhouse said.

Victorian Racing Club chairman Amanda Elliott said they are expecting bigger than ever attendance numbers.

“It’s amazing to think it’s been going 158 years, and every time we manage to raise the bar,” Ms Elliott said.

The carnival will kick off this Saturday with Derby Day.