Lookin’ a million bucks at the ball doesn’t need to break the bank

Thursday 31 August 2023.  Seven days from now, spring racegoers will converge in Cairns for three days of fun, fashion and racing celebrating the Cairns Amateurs Carnival’s Sapphire Jubilee between Thursday 7 September and Saturday 9 September. 

For dedicated racegoers and fashionistas who attend all or most events in the program, much planning is required to assemble outfits befitting the glamourous, springtime occasion. 

The program highlight is destined to be the Carnival’s black-tie, Sapphire Ball which is held at the city’s waterfront marquee and is attended by more than 500 of the city’s glitterati dressed to impress for a ‘night celebrating stage and screen’.

According to an independent study by IER, one of Australia’s leading strategic consultants, in 2022 Cairns Amateurs attendees spent over $1.7 million on fashion and grooming with racegoers responsible for purchasing more than 14,997 fashion items to wear at events.

While Cairns boutiques, department stores, shopping centres, and hairdressing salons enjoy and prosper from increased sales in the lead-up period,  locals on a budget can be smart and savvy while still making a stylish entrance.

For ballgoers wanting to dress to this year’s theme, ‘a night celebrating stage and screen’, there is an alternative to outlaying hundreds of dollars for a one-time wear evening gown.

One such local business is The Style List which offers a hire instead of buy service for ballgoers who want to be the belle of the ball without the price tag involved.

Sam Clark, lead singer of Kaweyova, who will entertain ballgoers at next Friday’s event visited The Style List and was surprised by the extensive range of black-tie gowns in every shade of sapphire blue.

To view the range of gowns available, hire appointments can be made via  The Style List on Facebook.  Gown hire starts from $149 to hire.

The Sapphire Ball will be held on Friday 8 September 2023 within the waterfront marquee overlooking Cairns Esplanade. Click here to find out more and to book.

General carnival admission is $35 per person at the gate or $30 online and two-day membership packages from just $180 per person.  All tickets and events can be booked and purchased online at on our website.

For over 20 years, IER has provided economic impact evaluations for both private and Government clients. IER has specialised in consulting on a variety of projects related to the racing industries in Australia and New Zealand over this time.