The entertainment line up for the opening round of Carnival of Cups in Parkes has officially been announced and it is shaping up to be one of the most entertaining nights for the Parkes community in 2024.
You can expect to see some amazing racing and thrilling entertainment by The Living End, Shannon Noll, Sara Berki and Robbie Mortimer supported by talented local singer Michael Green at the Parkes Showground on Friday, September 20.
This will be The Living End's second appearance at the Carnival of Cups event after headlining at last year's event in Young putting on an unforgettable performance when the Cherry City Cup went on the line.
"When we were putting together our wish list of who we'd like to have launch Season 2 of the series The Living End were at the top of the tree after the mark they left on our event in Young last year," HRNSW Chief Executive Peter Buckman said
"Seven months on and people are still talking about that night so we're thrilled that we can not only replicate it but take it to another level in Parkes in September."
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"I think it's not only testament to the band but also to the legacy of the event platform we've created at Harness Racing New South Wales that acts of the stature of The Living End didn't hesitate when we asked them to return to harness racing heartland for another epic show."
Shannon Noll will be fresh off his national tour to mark the 20th anniversary of his breakthrough album to bring his adrenaline-fuelled set to Parkes.
These big Australian country-rock names will be supported by two young, bright upcoming talented artists, Sara Berki and Robbie Mortimer.
Sara Berki was a Best New Talent of the Year finalist at this year's Tamworth Country Music Awards and caught the world's attention earlier this year when she performed a stirring rendition of John Denver's classic "Take Me Home Country Road" at a Brisbane Lions home game.
"I can't wait to get out to Parkes for the Carnival of Cups this September," Sara said.
"The Central West region is such a beautiful part of Australia and will be incredible in Spring. My band and I are so keen to hit the stage with the legends, The Living End, Shannon Noll and Robbie Mortimer and the best part is, it is free to attend! Make sure you register now and we'll see you soon."
Sara has delayed plans to perform in America's Country Music capital Nashville to be part of the Parkes Carnival of Cups line-up.
No stranger to Parkes, Robbie Mortimer appeared in Tamworth, Albury and Goulburn last year as part of Carnival of Cups.
"I was in Parkes for Country Sounds late last year which was amazing. I had a really really great time and the Parkes community is a really good community that gets behind music so I can't wait to come back," Robbie said.
"It's a terrific lineup, I'm really honoured to be on a lineup with such great Australian names like Shannon Noll and The Living End but also I'm really fond of Sara Berki. I think she's a wonderful artist who's doing amazing things. But honestly just coming out, the whole day , the whole part of racing and the music it;s such a great spectacle but also coming out to that country community and putting on a really good rock show, you know country kind of rock show for the Parkes community is what I'm most excited about.
"Parkes is a great community huge supporters of music in general and there's going to be music for all ages all people who like all different genres of musics well there's something for everyone there it's going to be great family day out and everyone will enjoy something that the Carnival of Cups has to offer whether it's the races or the music," Robbie said.
Local favourite Michael Green, who has an enormous following on the Parkes and western region nightlife scene, will also play on the Carnival of Cups stage.
"Carnival of Cups is a marquee series for Harness Racing New South Wales which provides a new offering for our existing patrons and brings a new crowd to the track. I have no doubt the Parkes Showground Paceway will be bursting at the seams to see a music line-up like this," Mr Buckman said.
If you can't wait for Carnival of Cups to kick off make sure to catch up on all of the artists' music new and old to ensure you have a great night out beside the track.
Free tickets to the Carnival of Cups in Parkes, headlined by The Living End and supported by Shannon Noll, Sara Berki, Robbie Mortimer and Michael Green are available now at www.carnivalofcups.com.au
