A MAMMOTH marquee that is going up in Kings Parade as a focal point for off-track activities during Race Week is expected to be completed later today.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Russell Street, between William and George streets, was closed to traffic on Monday to allow the special events team from Sydney company Pages Event Equipment to get stuck into the project.
It will remain closed all week.
The marquee will be used to host the crowd of 550 at Friday night’s Bathurst Bicentenary Gala Ball.
Tickets to the big bash were snapped up after going on sale at $150 in July.
The black tie event will celebrate Bathurst’s bicentenary.
“A marquee ball in the middle of the city’s historic town square will create a unique atmosphere,” mayor Gary Rush said.
Guests will arrive at 6pm for drinks and entertainment on the lawns of the court house, before dinner is served at 7pm.
Cr Rush said council engaged Pages Event Equipment to set up the marquee because of the specialist nature of the work.
“The marquee is 60 metres by 20 metres, so that’s a floor space of 1200 square metres,” Cr Rush said.
“All up, it weighs 30 tonnes and takes three days to construct.
“Work building it started Monday and is expected to be finished today. Pages have 15 staff involved to construct it and the majority of those are locals.
“The marquee will also be used for the Saturday Street Fair and will house the market stalls.”
Cr Rush said there’s also 200 metres of festoon lighting to go up, and the light fixtures inside the marquee for the ball will require 180 light globes.
