By JESSE GRAHAM
RACE-GOERS will have an extra reason to visit Yarra Glen on Melbourne Cup Day, with the venue hosting a silent disco for those looking to take a break from the races.
The Valley Vibe Silent Disco will be run on Melbourne Cup Day 4 November at the Yarra Valley Racing Centre in Yarra Glen.
Set up in a marquee on racing day, 10 DJs will go head-to-head in pairs in an arena, with dancers all wearing headphones tuned to one of the two music tracks.
The result is that the disco is silent to everyone except for those wearing the headphones, and half of the dancers will be moving to the beat of a different song to the others.
In a unique move, the disco dancers will be able to keep track of the racing action on the day, with messages and races broadcast intermittently over the headphones.
Yarra Valley Racing CEO Brett Shambrook said he hoped the event would make race-day more appealing to younger valley residents.
“We’re hoping the younger people get on board, have some fun and have a good day out,” he said.
“It’s something different – there’s nothing out this side of Melbourne that’s like that.”
Mr Shambrook said the $55 disco ticket – which includes admission on race-day – also provides dancers with courtesy bus travel to and from Lilydale.
“Transport is a big issue in this neck of the woods, so they don’t have to worry about getting a taxi,” he said.
Seymour MP and Eildon candidate Cindy McLeish announced the silent disco with Mr Shambrook and said the Melbourne Cup event would have something for everyone.
“Punters will be able to enjoy a great race card, a big screen TV televising the Cup Day action from Flemington, Fashions on the field, children’s activities, prizes and superb regional food and wine that showcase the Valley’s top producers,” she said.
For more information, visit www.countryracing.com.au.
