The Screaming Jets to Headline Carnival of Cups in Newcastle

21 October 2025

The secret can finally be revealed! Hometown heroes The Screaming Jets will return to the Steel City to headline the TAB Carnival of Cups trackside entertainment at the Newcastle Harness Racing Club on 5 December.

It will mark a return to the Carnival of Cups stage for the Jets, who had racegoers bouncing with a high-powered set in Season 1 at Goulburn.

It is the first time the new music festival format will be held in Newcastle since it was revamped two years ago. And best of all – tickets are free for all.

The Screaming Jets will headline an eclectic line-up, joining multiple ARIA award-winning male artist of the year Alex Lloyd and the reigning Golden Guitar female artist of the year Max Jackson. Local favourites Ignita and Just Us Duo will also feature on the program.

“We’re pumped to be part of the Carnival of Cups program again and it is even more special for us as a Newcastle band to be able to come home and help be part of this new era of racing in our own backyard,” The Screaming Jets lead singer Dave Gleeson said.

“We’ve never forgotten where we’re from and we’re so grateful for the continued love and support we get from the fans in Newcastle, so we’ll be hitting the stage and giving them everything we’ve got.”

“We had a great time in Goulburn and we know the Carnival of Cups has only continued to get bigger and better since then, so we can’t wait to rock Newcastle!”

The trackside entertainment offering will complement an eight-race program on the famed Newcastle Paceway.

It will include the inaugural running of The Steel City Cup and the crowning of the TAB Regional Championships Hunter Final champion.

“How good to be adding The Screaming Jets to an already high-quality music line-up with Alex Lloyd and Max Jackson. When it came to choosing a headline act for this first event in Newcastle there was no doubt we wanted that to be the Jets, so we’re delighted to be working together again,” HRNSW Marketing Manager Paul Cochrane said.

“There has already been a rush on tickets since we announced Alex and Max last month so now with the Jets thrown into the mix, I’d expect the ticket portal will be running hot with this announcement.”

The Carnival of Cups is free to attend but you do need to register for a ticket beforehand. To secure your ticket head to www.carnivalofcups.com.au

It is a family-friendly, all-ages event, including a kids entertainment precinct and an array of food and drink options.