The Show 2019 - When Carnival Meets Agriculture...

Discover something new at this year’s Regional Australia Bank The Show – Newcastle and Hunter. This is an event for the whole community, with an eclectic mix of carnival meets agriculture and artisan. From March 1 to 3, showgoers can become immersed in an experience that will entertain, educate and excite them.

General manager Gabe Robinson, who has worked on large-scale productions such The Voice, X-Factor and Eurovision, said he had been appointed by the board to breathe modern life into the historic event.

“The Show has been a part of the region since 1902, and I will fight to the death to ensure it is around for another 100 years.

“This will be done with changes, some big and others small, as well as technology and innovation. It will start this year and continue moving forward. Keep an eye out for our ‘discover something new’ campaign coming soon.”

Mr Robinson said working with local creative agency Enigma had been a part of the new direction. The Enigma team had refreshed The Show’s branding with a new logo, tagline and creative direction. “The Regional Australia Bank has partnered with The Show as a naming rights sponsor. They came on board as The Show is a community event that aligns with their values – an appreciation for relationships built on trust and reliability, with an understanding of the significance of community and a feeling of unity and belonging."

“One of our new concepts is Hunter Vibes. It balances out The Show’s hustle and bustle, with an area where you can chill out while supporting local producers with a bite to eat or a fresh drink or buying artisan products from the 30-plus stalls. There will also be laid-back live music and entertainment.”

“Then there is Get Kids Cooking with Australian Good Meat that will bring a different artisanal flavour to The Show. Over the past few years, shows like MasterChef and My Kitchen Rules have done a huge amount to spark interest in cooking with kids. During The Show, at Cooking with Kids, primary-aged children (5-12 years) will have the chance to grab an apron and learn to cook a healthy meal while finding out where food comes from, and parents can have a well-earned 15-minute rest watching their kids cook up a storm.”

“Alongside these exciting new attractions to The Show, there are also amazing additions to popular events like the rodeo and art competition.”

The return of the rodeo last year after 15-year hiatus was a huge success. A record-breaking crowd swelled to watch the cowgirls and cowboys’ skills and speed as they go through the paces with barrel racing, steer and bull riding. In 2019 the rodeo spectacular will be bigger and better as it is pumped up with a new junior barrel racing and steer classes, which are the upcoming sections in the national rodeo circuit attracting many young competitors.

The Show’s much-loved art competition returned last year with The David Strachan Memorial Art Exhibition and applauded for showcasing the region’s amazing talent. To encourage and foster, indigenous young adults to be a part of this exhibition, a new class Young Indigenous Artist has been introduced for 14 to 18-year-olds for Indigenous themed paintings, drawings, watercolour sculptures, print and mixed media of any subject in any medium by an Indigenous Australian.

On top of the new exciting additions to The Show, there will be many popular favourites such The Show’s fireworks on Friday and Saturday that are the largest show-based fireworks display outside of the Sydney Royal Easter Show. This spectacular and impressive display is something the whole family is sure to enjoy.

Then there are the latest and greatest showbags to take home and relive the fun, including ones that will be at the Easter Show as well as exhilarating and family-friendly rides and games in sideshow alley. If that is not enough excitement, the Emergency Services interactive area that debuted in 2018 is back. See the latest equipment and technology used by firefighters, police officers and SES volunteers.

Other captivating must-see events on the schedule include the highly thrilling fence post splitting competition on the final day of The Show, March 3. Hunter Campdraft Cup has confirmed its place for the 10th consecutive year. This cup is an invitation-only event, with the region’s top winners qualifying to come and dazzle with their stunning horsemanship.

Of course, there will be all the traditional competitions and exhibitions such as cattle, goats, horses, rats, mice, show jumping, handcraft, photography, cooking, woodchop and woodturning.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite visiting all the amazing attractions on offer, there will be more than 20 food vendors to tantalise your taste buds. They are ranging from Greek, Chinese, Italian, Turkish, vegan and vegetarian cuisines as well as mini-dutch pancakes, waffles and cheerios with chocolate to satisfy that sweet tooth.

“While we are excited to bring these new and fresh ideas, whether it is your first visit or 10th, there will be something there for you. The key to a successful show is catering to all visitors,” Mr Robinson said.

“Some people want to see animals, others want to go on the fastest and most exhilarating ride, and we are able to provide that to people.”

Be sure not to miss this iconic celebration of our community – The Show, March 1, 2 + 3 at Newcastle Showground. Online tickets are on sale – $22 for an adult, $12 for children, $12 for concession and family passes starting from $55.

Visit www.newcastleshow.com.au to buy tickets or for more information on The Show.