ORGANISERS of the Birdsville Races, one of the outback’s most famous and remote race meets, are anticipating record crowds at this year’s event.
With a whole week of activities planned, an approximate 6000 people are expected to descend on the town with a regular population of only 115.
New additions to Birdsville’s race week calendar include the launch of famous boxing tent showman Fred Brophy’s new book, The Last Showman, penned by prolific author Sue Williams. The fifth generation showman travels with his troupe of world class boxers who challenge willing contenders before an enraptured audience.
Fred’s boxing tent show is the only one left of its kind in the world and has been a major drawcard to events such as the Birdsville Races and Mt Isa rodeo for decades. The book will be officially launched on September 3 at the Birdsville Community Hall.
The inaugural Birdsville Races fun run has been confirmed to take place on the morning of September 3 as well. The 6.5 kilometre run will enable runners to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and registrations will open in early August.
Runners will be given the rare opportunity to run a lap of the Birdsville Race Track before continuing to the township via the original Diamantina Crossing; the heart of Birdsville’s rich history and a spectacular area of scenery.
The official Royal Flying Doctor Service cocktail party is back by popular demand for its second year. A chance for punters to dress up and celebrate their arrival in Birdsville, tickets for the hugely successful cocktail party are selling fast.
Race Club Vice President Gary Brook says that tickets to both days in the trackside marquee have sold out, which is a good indication of the size of the event.
“This time last year we still had marquee tickets left but this year they’ve sold so fast that I can’t help but think that this will be a huge year for the Birdsville Races,” Mr Brook said.
“Our souvenir medallions and cocktail party ticket sales are strong, so we’re recommending that people buy their tickets sooner rather than later if they want them,” he said.
Regular attractions at the iconic event include two action-packed days of racing beneath the outback Queensland sun on September 5-6, as well as an ‘equine fun day’ outside the Birdsville Hotel on September 4 . Born from necessity when the races were cancelled for only the second time in their hundred year history when equine flu hit Australia in 2007, novelty events and hobby horse races take place on the main street and are one of the races’ most popular events.
There will be nightly live entertainment at the Birdsville Hotel from September 4 and performances from Australian singer-songwriter Mick Lindsay at the Birdsville Community Hall.
“There are so many different activities, types of entertainment and things to do in Birdsville during race week that there’s something for people of all different ages and interests.
“So many people tell us that this event has been on their bucket list for years, so we try and make it as special and memorable for everyone who comes.”
For the full program and further information, check the website at www.birdsvilleraces.com