Hollywood A-lister Liz Hurley, Irish singer Ronan Keating and Paris Olympics gold medallist Ariarne Titmus were among the famous faces at Flemington for the running of the 164th Melbourne Cup.

(Scroll down to see the best pictures from the day)

One of biggest events on the Australian sporting calendar, the carnival attracted all the big-name celebrities – both local and international – including Irish music legend and Live Aid organiser, Sir Bob Geldof.

When American socialite Nicky Hilton Rothschild arrived for her previous visit to the Melbourne Cup in 2003, her and her famous sister Paris caused all kinds of drama, wearing bare-backed halter tops and slip dresses, doing a little too much socialising as young 20-somethings.

Famous for being famous, it is said their Seven-sponsored trip back then “sharpened the appetite for celebrities” in the exclusive VIP Birdcage enclosure. This year was no different.

‘Bonkers’ day

In Australia for a one-man show, Life WTF, and to announce a compilation of decades of music performed at the Live Aid concerts from 1984, Geldof wore a black suit with an open neck shirt inside Crown’s three-storey marquee.

Drinking a glass of red wine, the political activist described the day as “bonkers”.

“I’ve been to the English versions, you know,” he told the Nine newspapers.

“But no, I mean this is crazy, it’s bonkers. It’s like you’ve walked into this Christmas pantomime, a misplaced Christmas pantomime.”

Hard acts to follow

Hilton Rothschild turned up linking arms with designer collaborator Rebecca Vallance, while another Olympic medallist, Jessica Fox and 1990s rock star Anastacia walked the red carpet among a rush of models, entertainers, athletes and business leaders.

In a blazing red outfit, Fox joined several other high-profile locals, including 2017 Miss Universe Australia Olivia Molly Rogers, Jessie Murphy, radio host Lauren Phillips and stylist Lana Wilkinson, who all swapped out the black and white from Derby Day to total red.

Veteran horse trainer Gai Waterhouse, 70, flaunted a stylish, yet practical grey satin pants suit, complete with white runners.

Once engaged to the late champion Test cricketer Shane Warne, Hurley, 59, wore a yellow Merve Bayindir headpiece and mid-length Rebecca Vallance dress – the colour of the Melbourne Cup – and was accompanied by her model son, Damien.

Known for their love of horse racing, Hurley flew to Melbourne for the carnival 11 years ago with Warne.

Stand-out performances

Ronan Keating performed with Australian pop star Ricki-Lee Coulter, while soprano Greta Bradman, granddaughter of legendary Australian cricketer Sir Donald Bradman, sang the national anthem in front of a crowd of almost 100,000 race fans.

The only female to win a Melbourne Cup, Michelle Payne, said she was thrilled to be part of the big day as part of the TV coverage.

Wearing a custom gold mini from designer Jason Grech, complete with gold skull buttons, Payne completed the look with a half moon gold tiara.

Meanwhile fashion designer Kailea Keyes always dreamed of making it to Flemington and arrived early to soak up the atmosphere.

“I love the fashion and everything to do with the fashion. It’s been on my bucket list for so long,” she said.

Here are some of the best pictures from the day.

Elizabeth and son Damian Hurley were escorted into the Birdcage to watch the Melbourne Cup. Photo: AAP

Michelle Payne and Jessica Fox. Photo: AAP

Designer Rebecca Vallance with Nicky Hilton at the Lexus Marquee inside the Birdcage at Flemington. Photo: Instagram/Rebecca Vallance

Bright colours make a mark again on Melbourne Cup day. Photo: AAP

Two early birds keen for good seats at the track. Photo: Instagram/Victoria Racing Club

Waiting for this year’s spectacular display of Fashions on the Field. Photo: Instagram/Victoria Racing Club

Made famous by The Block, Mitch Edwards and Mark Mckie. Photo: AAP

Singer-songwriter Bob Geldof attends the 2024 Melbourne Cup. Photo: AAP

Racegoers at the end of a long day after gates opened at 8am. Photo: AAP