Queensberry Cup roars back for 2023

The Queensberry Cup returned with a bang for 2023, with more than 8000 in attendance to enjoy the fun and fanfare of live music, food, arts, culture, and of course, the billycart race that stops North Melbourne.

Fifty fearless billycart racers took on the new Errol St course, with Orly Furlong retaining his title as the Queensberry Cup king, taking out both the Open and the 7-to-11 age categories, only seconds ahead of his sister, Leni. Levi Haydon-Wimmer was the victor in the 12- to 17-year-old category.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp and former ABC News host and North Melbourne identity Virginia Trioli tried their best on the new track as part of the annual “Celebrity Race”.

After a slow start the Lord Mayor careered into the hay barriers snapping the front axle of her borrowed billycart as Trioli cruised to an easy victory.

"Celebrity Race" winner Virginia Trioli runs back to assist the Lord Mayor carry her cart to the finish line. 

The course change from Queensberry St proved a popular one for racers and festival goers alike, with thousands flocking to the median strips of Errol St for a taste of the action.

Away from the track there was plenty of action at the World Kitchen Stage, along with live music and dance performances, and the famous Village Dog Show.

Th North and West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre (formerly The Centre) has confirmed the Queensberry Cup will be back for 2024. •

Photography by Hanna Komissarova.