A highlight in the Northern Territory events calendar, the Great Northern Darwin Cup will take place at Darwin Turf Club in just a few weeks.

Set to draw in 20,000 keen punters, the event showcases Darwin Turf Club’s ability to host large-scale events and do it in style.

Here, we check in with the experienced events team to find out what goes on behind the scenes in preparation for the annual event, taking place on 5 August.

Why is the event such a highly anticipated day for Darwin Turf Club?

The Great Northern Darwin Cup is the richest horse race on dirt in Australia and one of the most anticipated events on the Darwin calendar.

The day is the climax to a month of thoroughbred racing action with the running of the $200,000 Great Northern Darwin Cup race. It is a memorable day of racing, fashion and entertainment.

Finalists from each of the Silk Laser Clinics Fashions on the Fields heats compete for the opportunity to represent the Northern Territory at the Myers Fashions on the Field on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day.

How is Darwin Turf Club transformed for the event?

The Darwin Turf Club is styled with all things colour to represent the Carnival of Colour. The Turf Club offer a variety of designated areas for punters to enjoy.

The Pearl Bar is the hippest social hangout on the track. With cool tunes playing, cocktails flowing and cheese boards available, the Pearl Bar has a great vibe and relaxed atmosphere. The talented Bridey Rose will put everyone on their feet with her upbeat performance.

The Atrium offers premium hospitality from an evaluated view point, ensuring no one misses a minute of the racing action. The Legends of the Straight Marquee is the premier marquee of the Darwin Cup. It’s known for being the hub of racing action and socialalising. The Kicks will entertain guests all day long with high energy tunes.

What does the preparation look like for the event?

Preparation for the Great Northern Darwin Cup happens all year round. The team dedicate their time coordinating all aspects of the event such as sponsorship, security, ticketing, event styling plus much more to guarantee success.

A lot of hard work and dedication is involved in the preparation process however the rewarding feeling at the end of the carnival is always worth it. Plus – the team have loads of fun planning!

What are the biggest challenges for an event like the Darwin Cup?

With 20,000 people set to flock to the Great Northern Darwin Cup, it can be challenging to ensure all attendees are safe and having fun.

However, the dedicated events team plan everything to a T, to ensure the event is huge success for all involved.