Royal Melbourne Show

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Royal Melbourne Show
Crowds - melbourne show 2005.jpg
Crowds at the Royal Melbourne Show
Genre Agricultural show
BeginsMid September
EndsLate September/Early October
Frequencyannual
Location(s) Royal Melbourne Showgrounds. Ascot Vale, Victoria, Australia
Years active174
Inaugurated1848
Attendance500,000 (2010)
Organised by Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria
Website http://www.royalshow.com.au/

The Royal Melbourne Show is an agricultural show held at Melbourne Showgrounds every September. It is organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria and has been running since 1848. [1] Each year Royal Melbourne Show attracts attendances of up to half a million people.

Contents

About

The traditional purpose is the display of rural industry, including livestock and produce with its associated competitions and awards however the show also features amusement rides and a sideshow alley, as well as the awesome Australian tradition of 'Showbags', carry bags containing samples of goodies produced by various commercial enterprises.

A prominent feature during showtime are the many rides including a permanent wooden Mad Mouse roller coaster which resided at the grounds until 2001, owned by Wittingslow Amusements. A permanent chairlift also resided onsite until 2005. The site has its own railway station, used during special events located on the Flemington Racecourse line. The Thursday of the show was once observed as the Show Day public holiday in Melbourne; this holiday was abandoned in 1994. [2]

While the Royal Show is the main show in Victoria, many cities and towns in regional Victoria host smaller shows, such as the Royal Geelong Show, Bendigo Show, Ballarat Show, Warragul Show, Whittlesea Show and the Shepparton Show.

History

The show was founded in 1848. There was no show in 1915 to 1918 and 1940 to 1945 when the showgrounds were requisitioned for military use during WWI and WWII. [3] In 2020 and 2021 the show was cancelled due to social distancing measures and mass gathering restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. [4]

Displays

Equestrian Competition. 2013 Royal Melbourne Show (10016683783).jpg
Equestrian Competition.

Competitions

The major rural competitions of the show include Alpaca competitions, Beef Cattle Competitions, Beef Carcase Competitions, Dairy cattle Competition, Dog Competitions, Horse Competitions, Poultry Competition, Sheep Competition, Domestic Animal Competitions, Fleece Competitions and Woodchop Competitions.

The major equestrienne competition of Australia is the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout which is held here. This is a memorial trophy to Mrs Violet Murrell's bravery in attempting to save her horse, Garryowen from a fire. The competition is judged on mount, costume, saddlery, riding ability and general appearances of horsewomen. [5]

There are also Art, Craft and Cookery Competitions.

Pavilions

A lamb in the petting area at the 2013 show 2013 Royal Melbourne Show (9972307766).jpg
A lamb in the petting area at the 2013 show
Wood chopping contest 2013 Royal Melbourne Show - Wood Chopping Contest (9972571636).jpg
Wood chopping contest
Cows on show 2013 Royal Melbourne Show (9972371476).jpg
Cows on show

Located all around the show grounds are a total of sixteen pavilions and arenas. These include:-

The Farmhouse is an interactive animal space including shearing and milking demonstrations and activities including pat-a-chook, pat-a-pig, grinding grains and digging for veggies.

Entertainment

Entertainment consists of multiple live performances, activities and displays. Entertainers have included Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Peppa Pig, Dorothy the Dinosaur from the children's group The Wiggles, Play School and Hi-5 concert, Sampson the Monster truck, clowns, caricature artists and many more. In addition to 774 ABC Melbourne radio outside broadcast. There is a nightly fireworks display and live performances. Lights, colours and sound provide a unique atmosphere in the Carnival precinct at night.

Rides

Rides at the Melbourne Show 2013 2013 Royal Melbourne Show (9973325363).jpg
Rides at the Melbourne Show 2013
Rides at the Melbourne Show 2013 2013 Royal Melbourne Show (9973109406).jpg
Rides at the Melbourne Show 2013

The children's rides include:

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References

  1. Royal Melbourne Show 2008
  2. "Detailed History". Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria. 15 September 2014. Retrieved 15 September 2014.[ dead link ]
  3. "Timeline of the RASV". www.rasv.com.au. Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  4. "2020 Royal Melbourne Show Cancelled due to COVID-19". www.rasv.com.au. The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria Limited. 29 April 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  5. Garryowen back in family Retrieved on 15 October 2008 [ dead link ]