The Angels are coming!

THERE'S a lot brewing for this year's Ballina Cup.

Not only is the Cup being held for the first time on a Friday, September 14, but there will be a new brew at the racetrack on the day, with some new entertainment coming with it.

Secretary-manger of the Ballina Jockey Club, Craig Kelly, said the decision to hold the Cup on a Friday was made to entice more locals to head to the racetrack, but also to attract more people from out of town.

Ballina Shire Council has gazetted September 14 as a half-day holiday for Ballina Shire.

"We hope to help the town out a bit with tourism," Mr Kelly said.

"People can come to town on Friday, and stay."

Meanwhile, after 12 years with another brewer, the Ballina Jockey Club last week announced a five-year sponsorship deal with Tooheys for five years.

Tooheys brews the popular brands Tooheys, XXXX and Hahn.

Mr Kelly said that meant punters at the racetrack on race day would have a greater choice of beers.

With the Tooheys deal comes the XXXX Angels, the XXXX Gold Retreat - a truck-cum-entertaining area - and a chance to win a trip to XXXX Island.

The XXXX Angels will be at participating Ballina Shire venues for "half-hour shouts" in the lead-up to the Cup, and will be at the calcutta at the Slipway Hotel in Ballina from 6pm to 8pm on September 13.