Adrenaline pumping, crowds cheering, and the sound of thundering hooves on wet sand. You can already feel the surge of energy that’ll hit Mackay Harbour Beach this June when the city welcomes back one of its most highly anticipated and fun-loving spectacles: the Mackay Beach Horse Races.
Taking place on a long stretch of golden sand against a glistening Coral Sea backdrop, retired thoroughbreds, stock horses, quarter horses and mixed breeds alike will delight patrons as they battle it out for the coveted title, while a host of new sights, sounds, tastes and experiences are guaranteed to entertain and enamour all who participate.
As one of the region’s most highly anticipated and fun-loving events trots back into town, the Mackay Beach Horse Races has announced it will be shining a spotlight on the local community in 2022, with the addition of major sponsors from the region, fresh new beachside events, Aussie talent and local artisans taking centre stage in a major bid to highlight the Mackay community.
**Breakout box – can go anywhere
MAJOR PARTNERS, LOCAL BUSINESSES, AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS, BEACHSIDE PARTIES & FASHION SHOWS COME TOGETHER FOR THE RETURN OF MACKAY’S FAVOURITE COMMUNITY EVENT THIS 10-12 JUNE.
Event organisers previously announced a key partnership deal, with Mackay Airport signing on as Major Presenting Partner for the iconic, one-of-a-kind event, ensuring punters from across Australia - and the world - have stress free access to one of the country’s most beautiful beachfront locations.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the Beach Horse Races, founded by the late Mick Pope, really was an “event like no other”. He said the event turned a national and even international spotlight on the Mackay region and would be a drawcard for visitors.
“The Mackay community loves this event, and everyone has been patiently awaiting its return,” he said.
“The event has something for everyone and our region is ready to welcome it back to our social calendar.”
Garry Porter, North Queensland Airports Chief Operations Officer said, “Mackay Airport is pleased to be a major presenting partner of the Mackay Beach Horse Races for 2022.
“Major events are key drivers of visitation to regional Australia and having an iconic event like this back on the Mackay events calendar will certainly boost visitor numbers and support the local economy.”
The Mackay Beach Horse Races will also welcome the region's most beloved boutique restaurant to the family.
The Dispensary is managing the VIP Deck (located on the finish line) and doing what they do best – exceptional food, beverages and service.
“This is the first year The Dispensary has been involved in the Mackay Beach Races with the desire to create an event that no one other than The Dispensary can deliver!” said The Dispensary’s Operations Manager Adrian Connors.
Mackay Surf Club offers a further VIP option for racegoers, pairing great views of the starting line with an extensive array of share platters, including hot and cold seafood options.
The community spirit continues with fashion shows set to highlight local designers and talent, pop-up food vendors offering local food options for all budgets and of course - the beach races!
ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT
Australian artists from around the country will also descend upon Mackay for a series of live music events where local DJs will perform alongside major names from the Australian dance scene in a brand new pop-up Beach Club venue.
Australian producer, DJ, and vocalist Stace Cadet who has made a name for himself by creating music that promotes a joyous, euphoric experience will headline the new pop-up event, following on from the success of his massive hit single ‘Energy’, which blew audiences away and charted 21 in triple j’s Hottest 100.
Whether it be festivals like Beyond The Valley, sidebyside, or some of the most infamous disco dens around Australia, Mell Hall has got your dance-floor covered, and this June, she’ll be taking control of the beach side city, too!
Mackay will also welcome Kiwi Born, Melbourne based producer/DJ royalty Jolyon Petch! Having spent the past few years dominating the ARIA club charts and finding support in artists like Don Diablo, Diplo, Afrojack and more, the club mainstayer is set to dominate the beachfront party.
Melbourne based producer and ARIA nominee SGT Slick will also land in Mackay after spending several years in the USA which included high profile gigs and residencies from Los Angeles to New York City, Las Vegas to San Francisco, Boston to Atlantic City and beyond.
Six piece Little Steely Brothers will also be paying tribute to the classic hits of LRB, Steely Dan, Doobie Bros and Eagles, as well as iconic tracks from Boz Scaggs, Jackson Browne, Mister Mister, Toto, Jimmy Buffett, Huey Lewis, Pablo Cruz, Oingo Boingo, America, Beach Boys, and many more with their live show ‘Sounds of the West Coast’.
Considered regional Queensland’s cheeky, coastal answer to the Melbourne Cup, where sand replaces turf and you’re as likely to see a Hawaiian shirt as a ball gown, formalities and pretensions will be left at the gate as the region gets ready to revel among pristine beach scenery from Friday, 10 to Sunday, 12 June.
Horse and rider nominations are now open via the event website (mackaybeachhorseraces.com.au), where expressions of interest can also be made by volunteers keen to enjoy the seaside mayhem, vendors seeking prime on-site activation real estate, and sponsors looking to align with an iconic regional event or snap up corporate boxes.
Ticketing packages designed to suit all budgets, appetites and vibes have officially been released with offerings ranging from premium dining and viewing experiences within the Mackay Surf Club and The Dispensary VIP Deck venues, to down-in-the-sand, Euro-style Beach Club celebrations. General Admission options are also available.
For more information, head to mackaybeachhorseraces.com.au
