Thousands of Cantabrians are flocking to Addington Raceway this morning for Cup Day, the highlight of the region's social calendar.
A crowd of more than 20,000 is expected for the glitz and glamour and Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup Day.
Early morning fog is expected to soon clear and temperatures are set to soar to around 24C.
Champagne breakfasts have filled city cafes this morning and last minute finishing touches to outfits are being done.
Gates open at 10.30am, with the first of 12 races starting at 12.15pm.
The main race, the 3200m Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup will jump at 5.15pm.
Kiwi band Salmonella Dub is performing live on the sold out Lindauer Lawn beside the finishing post.
Special guests the Wilson sisters from Keeping Up With The Kaimanawas are also in attendance.
More than 60 entries have been received for the much-anticipated Best Dressed Man and Brest Dressed Women competitions. There has also been record entries for the Body Art competition.
A police-enforced alcohol ban is in place from 9am to 10pm today and for the area bounded by Blenheim Rd, Moorhouse Ave, Lincoln Rd, Wrights Rd and Matipo St.
"The liquor ban is just one of a wide range of initiatives from Addington Raceway designed to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment," said Christchurch City Council Community Arts and Events Unit Manager Richard Attwood.
"It is also the first New Zealand Cup and Show Week since the lower alcohol limit came into force so it pays to plan your transport ahead of time."
A free drop-off bus service is being offered for patrons leaving the course.
Red Bus will drop patrons to Riccarton Rd, near Trevinos Restaurant and outside McDonald's on Papanui Rd in Merivale.
The bus service will leave the Wrights Rd end of the course from 5.30pm every half an hour through to 7pm.
Canterbury Police are hoping for a well behaved, good natured crowd.
District Deployment Manager Inspector Peter Cooper said a big focus will be on minimising alcohol-related incidents.
"We will have high visibility patrols throughout the city, enforcing the 9am-10pm liquor ban in Addington and a number of checkpoints will also be set up," he said.
"We want everyone to have a fun time but please don't overdo the alcohol."
The busiest times for Police call-outs for disorder and violence on Cup Day are typically between 5pm and 10pm.
- Kurt Bayer of NZME News Service
