Australian music icons The Living End are returning to the Carnival of Cups arena to launch a blockbuster second season in Parkes on 20 September.
The Aussie rockers will headline a massive trackside line-up, with support from western New South Wales’ favourite son Shannon Noll, emerging country star and internet sensation Sara Berki and the high-octane stage presence of Carnival of Cups alumni Robbie Mortimer.
It will be The Living End’s second appearance at the Carnival of Cups after headlining last year’s huge event when the Cherry City Cup went on the line in Young.
“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. 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,” HRNSW Chief Executive Peter Buckman said.
“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.”
Fresh off his national tour to mark the 20th anniversary of his breakthrough album, Shannon Noll will bring his adrenalin-fuelled set to Parkes, just a stones-throw from his hometown of Condobolin – a postcode Nollsy helped put on the radar of national consciousness.
They will be supported by one of the brightest young talents in Australian music Sara Berki who was a Best New Talent of the Year finalist at this year’s Tamworth Country Music Awards.
Sara 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. It has been viewed almost three million times on YouTube alone.
She has delayed plans to perform in America’s Country Music capital Nashville to be part of the Parkes Carnival of Cups line-up.
After Season 1 appearances in Tamworth, Albury and Goulburn, Robbie Mortimer also returns to the Carnival of Cups stage, amending his diary to ensure his availability, just a short-drive from his family’s world-renowned vineyard.
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.
“Best of all it’s free. All you have to do is go on line and register your details and you’ve secured your ticket for what will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable nights Parkes and the surrounding region has ever seen.”
“What we know is the Parkes Harness Racing Club and the community itself has a wonderful track record, primarily through its annual Elvis Festival, of hosting fantastic events for all so there is a great sense of calm and belief in what we’re about to deliver on the 20th of September.”
“Through Carnival of Cups we’ve been able to build great relationships with Councils and the local business community and we are very fortunate to once again have the full support of the Parkes Shire Council in bringing this major event to town.”
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
