It’s just 35 days till Brisbane’s iconic Ekka begins for 2018. Today I attended the media launch and had a sneak peek into what the state’s biggest and most loved event has in store this year.
WOW! What an event launch, I literally felt like I was at the Ekka. Today’s event gave us a taste of everything Ekka from show stopping entertainment, animals big and small, strawberry sundaes, Dagwood dogs, fashion, wood chopping, fireworks, monster trucks, cooking demonstrations, amusement rides, singing and dancing all washed down with a glass of award wining wine. Oh and how could I forget, we even received a sample bag.
Ekka have released their prices for 2018 and good news all round with their family pass being reduced from $89 to $80 for the first time in 15 years and when purchased at the gate. Prices have been frozen for concessions and adult/child passes. You can receive even more of a discount when you purchase your tickets online.
The 141st Ekka is jam packed with more than 300 free things to do and see each day of show. Once you are in the gates this year you will enjoy a digital experience like no other. The Ekka is the first Royal Show in Australia to offer augmented reality experiences via the new Ekka App. The App will enable people of all ages to scan dozens of different augmented reality markers around grounds to view educational and entertaining content plus an amazing colouring-in experience for the kids. You can download the Ekka App now on iTunes and Google Play.
Below is a snapshot of some of the most exciting new elements of the Ekka to enjoy this year:
New pavilions including The CRT Pavilion which is the new home for large and small animal breeds during show. This year, the ground and first floor will be home to beef and dairy cattle, poultry and dairy goats – another two football fields of space where visitors can see animals at Ekka.
Woodchop Arena – the new Woodchop Arena has expanded the popular competition area by 50 per cent. The undercover space will make woodchop one of the most entertaining arenas at the show and for the first time ever events will now run from 11am to 7.30pm each evening of show
New daytime entertainment that is sure to wow the crowds this year includes, the return of the popular Heritage Bank Racing Pigs, last seen at Ekka in 2015. These popular little piggies will fly through the sky, dive into a pool of water and race each other around a track.
Ekka’s most glamourous event – The Natural Fibres Fashion Parades presented by Moët & Chandon is back again and this year features a stunning new Winter Wonderland theme. See the energetic Crackup Sisters will perform a unique blend of comedy, whipcracking and slapstick acrobatics, as they tell stories of the outback and its larrikin characters.
EKKANITES supported by RACQ LifeFlight features a futuristic fireworks spectacular featuring a world first ‘fireball’ vehicle and Australian first remote controlcars strapped with pyros that will zoom around the Main Arena at more than 100km an hour. Also this year new and extended Children’s Fireworks, a Wild Colonial Wagon Chase featuring a ground shaking cattle stampede of 20 bulls, a monster truck competition that will see father and son drivers balance the four and a half tonne vehicles on their rear wheels and a 10 seater monster truck for the 4KQ Greatest Seats in the House vehicle, custom built in the USA.
There is something for everyone at this year’s Ekka, tickets available online now to purchase, see below for website link and see you at the Ekka.
Ekka
When – 10 to 19 August, 2018
Where – Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills
Prices – see website for the best ticket deals
Website – www.ekka.com.au