The 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival opens today at Flemington, with global music superstar Robbie Williams set to perform twice on the same day as the Lexus Melbourne Cup is run.
Williams will take to the Mounting Yard before the Cup, playing to racegoers as they build toward the main event. He will then return after the final race for a concert running more than 75 minutes on The Elms Live Stage, presented by Macca's.
Organisers said the post-race set will turn Flemington into one of the country's biggest outdoor concert venues for the night.
The carnival's opening day brings together racing, fashion and entertainment across the course, with the Williams shows the headline drawcard for 2026.
Flemington's program continues through the carnival, with the Mounting Yard and The Elms Live Stage set to host further entertainment on upcoming race days.