Roll up, roll up – it’s Showtime in Ipswich
08 May 2024
Ipswich City Council has thrown its support behind one of the region’s iconic events as a sponsor of the 2024 Ipswich Show.
Council has provided the city’s 151st annual show with financial backing of $30,000 to help stage the three-day event from 17-19 May.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said Ipswich stages a series of top-class events during May showcasing the city as a destination with a bit of everything for everyone.
“After celebrating the Ipswich Show’s sesquicentennial in 2023, we are delighted to be supporting this iconic event once again,” Mayor Harding said.
“We are immensely proud to support the Ipswich Show. It is one of the most significant dates on the events calendar in Ipswich with more than 36,000 expected to attend this year.
“An impact study during the 2021 Ipswich Show highlighted an economic return of $888,656 for those attending the historic Warwick Road site to get their annual dose of fairy floss, dagwood dogs and ring events.
“With so many people moving to Ipswich each year from overseas the annual show will give them a taste of the agricultural side of Australia from sheep shearing to pig racing, woodchopping to blacksmith demonstrations … there is something for everyone.”
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said the annual show provides both social and economic value to the community.
“The show is a very important and much-loved community event that the whole region looks forward to each year,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“It brings the community together and helps bring the country and city elements of our great city closer together. There will be woodchop competitions, the poultry pavilion, mouth-watering treats, showbags, thrill-seeking rides and the pig racing, which is treat for all the family.”
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the Show Society continues to innovate with the 150th Ipswich Show last year trialling an extended footprint with two additional areas, which will return this year.
“Due to its success last year the show will continue to present an expanded footprint including a dedicated Animal Precinct featuring the Animal Nursery, Farmyard Friends, Llamas and Alpacas, Camels, Reptile Zoo and Native Animal Shows and a Heritage Precinct,” Cr Doyle said.
“All the beloved staples of a classic agricultural show will be back at the showgrounds this year.”
Ipswich Show Society president Darren Zanow said the Ipswich Show is a multifaceted event that brings the community together and helps bridge the divide between country and city.
“This year is no exception with the entertainment program once again celebrating our long-established traditions, while creating a contemporary experience to appeal to both our loyal patronage and first-time visitors,” Mr Zanow said.
“Highlights include a Friday Night Rodeo, the Bluey Live Interactive Experience, expanded Side Show Alley, dedicated Children’s Stage with performances from much loved children’s entertainers, Ashton Circus, medieval encampment, and a Chainsaw Racing Competition.”