Melbourne Cup Parade scratched for second year running

The Melbourne Cup Parade has been axed from the roster for a second post-pandemic year in a row, with organisers promising they have been working hard to bring it back.

Ongoing construction for the Metro Tunnel project in the CBD saw the parade scratched in 2023, and now this year as well.

In particular, the works along Swanston Street were a cause for concern.

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"Following consultation with stakeholders, we believe that in the current environment we wouldn't be able to deliver a parade that Victorians and visitors to our state have come to expect," Victoria Racing Club chairman Neil Wilson said.

"The decision not to host a city parade this year has been made in the best interests of the experience for participants and spectators."

The parade has been a part of Melbourne Cup celebrations since 1983.

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It was cancelled due to COVID-19 regulations in 2020 and 2021, before taking place along a shorter route in 2022.

Wilson said the VRC had been "working hard to bring this popular event back to city streets in its original format".

Last year, instead of a parade, there was a "live site" event which included music, DJs, food, and entertainment.

Wilson said alternative Cup Day eve celebrations for 2024 were being finalised and would be announced shortly.

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