In her only Australian performance of 2026, the UK‑based star will fly into Melbourne to entertain thousands at Flemington on the opening day of the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival. Racegoers can revel in an electrifying live show, with Jess set to perform global smash hits including Hold My Hand, Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself and Rather Be after the last race on Howden Victoria Derby Day. Access to Jess’s performance is included in the price of a General Admission ticket, starting at $88 per person.
Born and raised in London, Jess Glynne is one of the UK’s most successful global pop exports, celebrated for her powerhouse vocals and high‑energy live performances. A Grammy‑winning singer and songwriter, Jess became the first British female solo artist in UK chart history to achieve seven No.1 singles, alongside two No.1 albums. With 12 BRIT Award nominations and a BRIT Billion Award recognising more than one billion UK streams, she has firmly cemented her place among Britain’s biggest contemporary artists.
Jess also commands a formidable presence on TikTok, with her hit Hold My Hand achieving viral success and being named TikTok’s UK Song of 2025. She has headlined some of the UK’s biggest stages and previously supported the Spice Girls on their 2019 stadium reunion tour, further underscoring her global appeal.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said welcoming Jess Glynne to Flemington for the first time was an exceptional fit to celebrate day one of the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
“Jess Glynne’s debut at Flemington reflects the global calibre of entertainment we bring to the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Alongside global music icon Robbie Williams lighting up Lexus Melbourne Cup Day and DJ phenomenon FISHER delivering an incredible set on TAB Champions Stakes Day, Jess’s chart-topping hits and electrifying stage presence promises a live show that will further elevate Howden Victoria Derby Day and deliver an unforgettable performance for racegoers.” Ms Rogers said.
Jess Glynne is excited to be returning to Australia in November and performing for the first time at the Melbourne Cup Carnival in front of thousands of racegoers.
“I’m so excited to be returning to Australia and performing at the Melbourne Cup Carnival for the very first time. I can’t wait to bring all the energy, all the hits and an unforgettable live show for thousands on opening day of the Carnival.” Jess Glynne said.
Located at the end of the Flemington straight, just past the winning post, The Elms Live Stage, presented by Maccas, has become the centrepiece of the Carnival’s headline music program. Here, major headline performers, including Robbie Williams on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day and FISHER on TAB Champions Stakes Day, will take to the Stage and racegoers can enjoy all the action for the price of a General Admission entry ticket.
Racegoers can also elevate their Cup Week experience by purchasing a ticket to the Smirnoff Sky Deck, positioned in the heart of The Elms precinct and offering premium track views and an unrivalled vantage point of the headline entertainment across the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The Smirnoff Sky Deck will deliver a vibrant, social atmosphere throughout the day with a private bar and uninterrupted sightlines from the first race to the post‑race party - it’s the ultimate way to take in the colour, energy and excitement of Cup Week.
The VRC will reveal the headline entertainment for Crown Oaks Day soon, rounding out the exceptional Melbourne Cup Carnival lineup.
All the action from the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival can be seen live and free across the Nine Network, the official broadcast partner and home of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
