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Culture

The 2015 Birdcage: Derby Day preview

For the 155th year of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, The lavish Birdcage enclosure isn't cutting any corners...
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The Emirates marquee entrance

From a milliner to the royal family joining the party at Emirates, to high-profile chefs, caviar and a confetti cannon – here’s a sneak peek behind the Birdcage’s velvet rope on Derby Day. 

You can read our full form guide on what’s happening within the lavish Birdcage, here.

High tea is served on the balcony at the English-themed Emirates marquee.

The Emirates marquee this year is modelled on an English manor house, complete with royal footguards.

Emirates present creations by famed British milliner Stephen Jones, who was also a guest at Derby Day.

French performance group La Folie Douce entertain guests at the Mumm marquee.

Photo credit: SDP Media.

Chefs Ben Shewry (Attica) and Neil Perry (Rockpool Group) at the Attica pop-up restaurant within the Lexus marquee.

Actor and James Boag ambassador Daniel McPherson enjoys a beer at their marquee.

Australian designer Dion Lee at the Lexus marquee.

Australian model Jessica Gomes at the Lexus marquee.

Ben Shewry’s saltbush lamb is served at the Attica pop-up restaurant within the Lexus marquee.

Sydney chef Dan Hong cooks everything from cheeseburgers to chicken katsu banh mi downstairs at the Lexus marquee.

The G.H. Mumm marquee transforms into a European après-ski nightclub, replete with a confetti cannon.

Photo credit: SDP Media.

G.H. Mumm takes inspiration from the luxurious chalets in the French Alps.

Photo credit: SDP Media.

Fashion writer Kate Waterhouse attends the G.H. Mumm marquee.

Photo credit: SDP Media.

Kerrie-Anne Kennerley joins Fashion Police hosts Brad Goreski and Melissa Rivers at the G.H. Mumm marquee. 

Photo credit: SDP Media.

Lindy Klim at the G.H. Mumm marquee.

Photo credit: SDP Media.

Melbourne chef Adam D’Sylva (Tonka, Coda) serves up his Nonna’s gnocchi recipe for Lavazza guests.

Lavazza celebrates 120 years with a royal blue cloud-print marquee and striking geometric floor.

Chef Matt Moran with his exclusive grazing menu designed for James Boag.

Models Zac and Jordan Stenmark are guests at the Joost Bakker designed Lexus marquee.

Yasa caviar flown in fresh from Abu Dhabi is served at the G.H. Mumm marquee.

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The Gourmet Traveller Team

Gourmet Traveller is Australia’s trusted authority on food, travel and luxury lifestyle, bringing the latest news and trends to life through quality journalism, enticing recipes and evocative photography. For more than 55 years, it has been inspiring and informing Australians with the best in cooking, dining, travelling and shopping. Our critics bring the expertise of years of critical eating, drinking and writing to the table. Plus, as the country’s leading title in the luxury sector, Gourmet Traveller works closely with Australia’s leaders in the travel and hospitality industries to give our readers exclusive access. The Gourmet Traveller legacy is one of trust, prestige and relevance.

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