Shannon Noll and his band performing at the Parkes Carnival of Cups in 2024. Photo by Brett Atkins (HRNSW)
The Carnival of Cups is returning to harness racing heartland in Bathurst on Friday 11 December and one of the region’s favourite sons Shannon Noll will set it alight as the headline act in a blockbuster trackside entertainment spectacular.
One of Australia’s most recognisable and enduring performers, Nollsy will lead a packed entertainment line-up alongside some of the biggest names in Australian country music.
Noll is no stranger to the Carnival of Cups stage, having delivered a hugely popular set at Parkes during season 2, and his return to the series is set to be one of the highlights of the 2026 calendar.
Joining Noll will be The Wolfe Brothers, the reigning Australian Country Music Awards Golden Guitar Band of the Year and Max Jackson, the reigning Golden Guitar Female Artist of the Year, who returns to the Carnival of Cups stage after being part of the line-up at Newcastle last year.
The line-up will also feature fellow Australian Idol alumnus Harry Carman, together with Cowra trio Plus One, who were unearthed by Harness Racing New South Wales during Season 1 of the Carnival of Cups.
The Bathurst leg of the fourth season of the revamped Carnival of Cups has moved to a December timeslot after more than 5000 patrons turned up for the FREE all-ages family-friendly event earlier this year.
The entertainment will complement a blockbuster night on the track, headlined by the $100,000 Gold Rush Cup, which is sure to attract some of the best horses in Australia. It will also serve as the second leg of the series, with crucial points up for grabs in pursuit of the new $100,000 bonus scheme.
Bathurst will also host the Western Region Final of the TAB Regional Championships, bringing some of the region’s best horses, trainers and drivers together on one of the biggest nights of the year in Western District harness racing.
The Carnival of Cups has established itself as much more than a race meeting, combining elite harness racing with live Australian music and entertainment in an all-ages event for the entire family.
There will be plenty of activities for the kids, while Shannon Noll, The Wolfe Brothers, Max Jackson, Harry Carman and Plus One will provide a huge line-up of live entertainment throughout the evening.
Best of all, general admission to the Carnival of Cups at Bathurst is FREE, making it an affordable night out for families and music and racing fans alike. Patrons simply have to register for a FREE ticket at www.carnivalofcups.com.au
To make attending even easier, free return buses will operate from the Bathurst CBD to the Gold Crown Paceway, ensuring patrons can enjoy the full experience without transport concerns.
Patrons wanting to take their night to another level can also upgrade to the Carnival Crib, offering an enhanced hospitality experience while enjoying all the action on and off the track.
With a $100,000 feature race, the Western Region Final of the TAB Regional Championships and an all-star live entertainment bill, the Bathurst leg is set to be one of the highlights of the Carnival of Cups season.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Carnival of Cups – Bathurst
When: Friday, December 11
Where: Gold Crown Paceway, 169 College Road, South Bathurst
Performances by: Shannon Noll, The Wolfe Brothers, Max Jackson, Harry Carman and Plus One
Feature race: $100,000 Gold Rush Cup
Also featuring: TAB Regional Championships Western Final
Admission: FREE – tickets available at www.carnivalofcups.com.au
Hospitality: Carnival Crib upgrade available
Transport: Free return buses from Bathurst CBD to Gold Crown Paceway
