Event organisers are preparing for an influx of thousands with the population of 115 swelling to host around 7000 visitors over the bumper race weekend..

The event comprises a 13-race program and a packed schedule of entertainment and activities – from film and comedy nights, to live music, Fashion on the Fields, cocktail parties, gourmet trackside dining and Fred Brophy’s travelling boxing troupe.

The 1600m UBET Birdsville Cup on Saturday, is the big one, attracting a stellar field of trainers, jockeys and thoroughbreds from across the nation.

SEE ALSO: Photos from 2017 Birdsville Races

UBET’s newly announced sponsorship of this year’s Birdsville Cup sees prize-money for the race increase to $40,000, making it the largest prize-purse in the event’s history – and the richest race-meet in Western Queensland.

Punters across Australia able to watch the action thanks to a national telecast deal with Sky Racing 2.

Tickets to the Birdsville Races are still on sale through www.birdsvilleraces.com.

Single-day race tickets can also be purchased at the entry gates on August 31 and September 1.