AusLeisure

With the worst drought in history crippling the bush, Queenslanders are being urged to come together and recognise and champion the essential role farmers play in their everyday lives during the countdown to the 2015 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka).

Speaking at the Ekka’s official launch, RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said the Ekka was committed to supporting our farmers and showcasing their hard work, while providing a world-class event for Queenslanders to enjoy.

Christou stated “for 138 years the Ekka has been bringing the country and city together to showcase agriculture, and despite the tremendous hardships they are facing, our farmers are continuing to make their way to show.

“With more than 80% of Queensland now drought declared we all need to rally behind our farmers and recognise that everything starts with agriculture - from the clothes you wear to the food you eat.

“With food security issues impacting on nations around the world, we need to champion the fact that in our backyard, our farmers are producing the world’s best, year in year out - we need to become proud advocates of this.”

Christou said this year more than 400,000 people were expected through the gates for the 138th Ekka – which begins on 7th August.

He added “in 1876, the forefathers of the RNA embarked on a legacy which today has touched the lives of almost 30 million people who have come to the show.”

This year’s show will feature 10,000 animals, 21,000 competition entries, world-class entertainment and award winning food and wine – dedicated to showcasing the best of the best.

Christou also unveiled the headline acts at this year’s Ekka which include pop superstar Samantha Jade, R & B sensation Stan Walker and the brand new EkkaNITES night program – the only show of its kind in Australia which will feature a series of world firsts.

Introducing the entertainment, Christou stated “we are thrilled to have superstars Samantha Jade and Stan Walker performing at this year’s show and Ekka guests will even get the chance to meet them.

“Another stand-out attraction will be the XTREME Action – Featuring the Transformers at EkkaNITES, this is a one off performance created uniquely for the Ekka.

“Ekka guests will be in awe of the spectacular new fireworks finale, which features a new Bellagio effect where fireworks not only shoot skywards but sideways and inwards.”

The night program won’t stray from its country roots with the traditional elements like the woodchop and sheepdogs, as well as country music legend James Blundell, playing starring roles.

Christou said with more than 70% of the grounds dedicated to free attractions and activities, Ekka guests will have no shortage of entertainment to choose from, concluding “the show will also feature the Heritage Bank Racing Pigs that need to be seen to be believed, the new Dinosaur Adventures display which will captivate both young and old, kids favourite Hoot and Hootabelle and the new circus inspired Natural Fibres Fashion Parades, presented by Cotton Australia, are not to be missed.”

This year the show will once again run over two full weekends from 7th to 16th August, giving visitors more opportunity than ever before to experience the show.

Ticket bundles, offering 30% savings are available exclusively online at www.ekka.com.au until midnight Ekka eve (6th August).

New to this year’s Ekka

Music Stars – hot Sony pop acts from across the country performing on the Ekka’s Entertainment and Fashion Stage. For the first time, Australian pop superstar Samantha Jade, who has had international fame, will bring a piece of stardom to the Ekka as she performs her catchy pop hits.

Australian Idol winner Stan Walker will also perform his soulful melodies while pop star Bonnie Anderson, who rose to fame in 2007 on Australia’s Got Talent, will captivate audiences with her hit single Blackout.

EkkaNITES - this year’s brand new night show, EkkaNITES, is the only show of its kind in Australia. The nightly show will include the traditional elements like the woodchop and sheepdogs as well as a series of world firsts including the ‘XTREME Action – Featuring the Transformers’ - a one off show created uniquely for the Ekka, plus four giant mobile laser spheres with performers inside. FMX riders will fly through the air and country music legend James Blundell will rock the crowd before the show finishes with a bang when the brand new fireworks finale lights up the Brisbane sky.

Fireworks Finale - during EkkaNITES the Australian created the fireworks finale has been designed in a Bellagio effect – they will not only shoot skywards but sideways and inwards. The Fireworks Finale will feature 18 separate firing points designed to ensure a 360 arena experience and breathtaking LED effects.

New Look Fashion Parades - the Ekka’s most glamorous event has undertaken a major transformation with the Natural Fibres Fashion Parades, presented by Cotton Australia, being taken to dazzling new heights.

Heritage Bank Racing Pigs – the unique site of these talented pigs racing around a track and also jumping over pools of water. 

For more information go to www.ekka.com.au/entertainment.aspx 

15th June 2015 - NEW CAMPAIGN TO BOOST TOURISM IN OUTBACK QUEENSLAND TOURISM

27th May 2015 - 2015 EKKA AIMS TO UNEARTH THE NEXT STAR IN COUNTRY MUSIC

15th May 2015 - SOCIAL MEDIA SEEKS TO DRIVE VISITS TO DROUGHT-STRICKEN OUTBACK QUEENSLAND

3rd May 2015 - EKKA COUNTDOWN SIGNALS BIG SAVINGS FOR FAMILIES

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.