Aerial view of the grand parade of livestock at the Royal National Show, Brisbane, 1958 ITM1430391
The Royal Queensland Show, or Ekka as it’s affectionately known by locals, is an annual event held in Brisbane. It’s a vibrant celebration that brings together the city and the country to showcase Queensland’s rich agricultural heritage, culture, and innovation.
From humble beginnings: a legacy of agriculture
In 1876 the newly formed state of Queensland craved a symbol of progress. Enter the brainchild of the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association (RNA): the first Intercolonial Exhibition, which opened in 1876.
Held at Bowen Park from 22 to 26 August, the event aimed to ignite the development of Queensland’s primary industries.
Stockowners and merchants flocked to showcase their agricultural and industrial wares, making it the most anticipated event since Queensland’s separation from New South Wales in 1859!
The excitement was palpable!
Opening day, declared a public holiday, attracted between 15,000 and 17,000 people. A total attendance of 34,000 visitors was recorded for the duration of the show, which was quite an achievement given Brisbane’s population at the time was just 22,000!
Once inside, visitors were treated to over 1,000 exhibits, with competitions for the best livestock, products, and even food.
Interestingly, some competitions awarded prizes for unique categories like “five tonnes of deodorised manure.” For horse owners, there was even a competition for the “fastest walking farm horse.”
(R) Wool display at the Royal National Show, Brisbane, 1928 ITM1682623
From merry-go-rounds to modern marvels
The following year, Sideshow Alley debuted its first ride – a classic merry-go-round.
In the next two years show-goers would be introduced to more cutting-edge technology, including telephones, microphones, electric lights and even an electric thief detector!
This spirit of innovation continues today.
The Ekka continues to embrace innovation alongside tradition with the inclusion of educational demonstrations, workshops, and sustainable agricultural technologies, all working to inspire growth and a thriving future for Queensland’s agricultural sector.
The Royal touch
In 1921 the show received its official name, the Royal Queensland Show, bestowed upon it by King George V, however locals affectionately shortened it to “the Ekka” over the years.
The Ekka has witnessed significant royal visits over the years, including Edward, Prince of Wales (1920), and Princess Alexandra of Kent (1959).
When Queen Elizabeth II visited Brisbane in March 1954, she became the first reigning monarch to set foot in Queensland. When the Queen and Prince Phillip attended the Ekka crowds flocked to the RNA showgrounds to catch a glimpse of the young monarch.
Later, in October 2014, Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, Princess Anne visited the Ekka to attend the 26th Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) conference. The RASC is a prestigious organisation uniting agricultural show societies across the Commonwealth to share knowledge and expertise. Princess Anne became its president in 2014, taking over from her father, Prince Philip, who had founded the society in 1957.
(R) HRH Princess Alexandra at the Royal National Show, Brisbane, ITM1460183
Expansion and adaptation
The 1950s saw the introduction of some of the Ekka’s most beloved culinary delights: dagwood dogs, fairy floss, butter board sandwiches, and the iconic strawberry sundaes. These treats have become synonymous with the Ekka experience.
The evolution of the Ekka wasn’t just about iconic food! The show has continuously grown over the years, introducing crowd-pleasers like the animal nursery, fireworks and precision driving displays, woodchopping competitions, and an ever-increasing selection of rides.
(R) Tree felling contest at the Royal National Show, Brisbane, 1969, ITM1430418
This expansion necessitated changes to the showgrounds. Additionally, the construction of the Inner-City Bypass in 2000 led to the redevelopment of Sideshow Alley and the woodchopping area.
Since 2011, major renovations have been underway, including the new King Street retail precinct, a 4.5-star hotel, and a brand-new Animal Pavilion.
Overcoming challenges and enduring legacy
Surprisingly, in its long history, the Ekka has only been cancelled three times. The first closure occurred in 1919 due to the devastating Spanish Flu pandemic. The second cancellation happened during World War II (1942) when the showgrounds were used as a military staging depot. The most recent closure, in 2020, was a consequence of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ekka’s story is one of remarkable transformation.
Evolving from a celebration of primary industries to a multi-faceted event showcasing cutting-edge technology, delicious food, and thrilling entertainment, the Ekka’s agricultural roots remain firmly planted, ensuring a sustainable future for this beloved Queensland tradition.
Additional resources:
- https://www.ogh.qut.edu.au/history/house-bites/house-bites2/brisbanes-first-ekka
- https://www.ekka.com.au/ekka-history/
- https://www.kingstreetbrisbane.com/news-events-offers/news/royal-history-on-king-st/
- https://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/confidential/celebrity-guests-love-the-ekka-too/news-story/e079d85a3073d8f31f62edd8d710b483
- https://www.museumofbrisbane.com.au/mob-sunday-stories-the-queen-visits-brisbane/
