Find of the Month

March 2025

Roll up! Roll up! It's Showtime!

Royal Canberra Show

Fig. 1. ACT Fire Brigade puppet show at the Royal Canberra Show, February 1980.

Fig. 2. ACT Fire Brigade information booth at the Royal Canberra Show, February 1980.

With a rich blend of country meets city, the Royal Canberra Show has been a popular event for Canberra and surrounding areas for many years. You may remember attending the Canberra Show as a child or taking your own children or grandchildren. Whether you are a thrill-seeker or prefer the more laid-back country style there is something for everyone.

With agriculture still at its core, the Royal Canberra Show has broadened vastly over the years to include entertainment, exhibitions, and education. This annual event has become a beloved tradition, showcasing the best of agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit.

Fig. 3. Patrons browsing the commercial exhibits at the Royal Canberra Show, February 1982.

Fig. 4. Patrons browsing the commercial exhibits at the Royal Canberra Show, February 1982.

Fig. 5. Cattle judging at the Royal Canberra Show, February 1982.

Fig. 6. Farming machinery on display at the Royal Canberra Show, February 1982.

The grass roots of the show can trace its origins back to the Ginninderra Farmers’ Union who held their first agricultural show on the grounds of a paddock in Ginninderra in 1908. The show was deemed a success and continued in Ginninderra until 1915 when the union disbanded. Focus then turned to fund raising for the war effort during World War I. The Advance Hall and District Association, which succeeded the Ginninderra Farmers’ Union, organised small district shows in 1924 and 1925. In 1927, the first “inaugural” Canberra Show held at the Hall showground was officially recognised by the Royal National Capital Agricultural Society. The show was held at Hall for the last time in 1963. In 1964 it moved to its current location at the Canberra Showground now known as Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC).^{i ii}

Fig. 7. Department of Natural Environment display at the Royal Canberra Show, February 1989.

Fig. 8. ACT Government display at the Royal Canberra Show, February 2002.

The Royal Canberra Show has progressively extended its duration to accommodate its growing popularity and the increasing number of events and attractions. Initially a one-day event, the show expanded to two days in 1931. By 1970, it had evolved into a three-day event, taking place from Friday to Sunday.ⁱⁱⁱ

In 1965, an unexpected storm hit the show on its last day. The torrential rain sent crowds of people to shelter under the huge 10,000 sq ft canvas trade fair marquee housing hundreds of exhibits. The rain started to pool on top of the canvas and with winds gusts up to 110km/h it proved too much for the marquee which came crashing down onto patrons trapping many underneath. At least 10 people went to hospital including a four-year-old girl who sustained a broken leg when she was struck by a falling pole. The canvas marquees were later replaced by permanent structures on the showground that are still used today.^iv

Fig. 9. Wind mars final day of ACT show, Canberra Times article, 8 March 1965.

In 1979, the Canberra Show received the royal touch and was honoured with the prefix 'Royal' following an announcement by then Governor-General Sir Zelman Cowen, who conveyed the Queen's approval. This prestigious title was given in recognition of the show's significant role in the community and its dedication to promoting agricultural excellence.^v

Fig. 10. Letter from National Agricultural Society to Public Relations Officer N.C.D.C regarding Commissioner W.C Andrews officially opening the Royal Canberra Show, 1 December 1972.

For nearly a century, the Royal Canberra Show has been a cherished tradition in Canberra’s history, with only World War II and the more recent COVID-19 pandemic causing the show to take a hiatus. Attendance was at an all-time high just before the pandemic, but it dropped significantly when the show returned in 2022. Since then, attendance has been steadily climbing back to pre-pandemic levels.

Fig. 11. Media release for the 2002 Royal Canberra Show, 1 February 2002.

The Royal Canberra Show continues to be a significant part of Canberra's social calendar. Its evolution from a one-day event to a three-day extravaganza reflects its enduring appeal and significance. Despite challenges such as WWII and the COVID-19 pandemic, the show has demonstrated resilience and a capacity to bring people together. Here's to many more years of great memories and its official centenary anniversary in 2027.

Fig. 12. Cover page of the 1996 Royal Canberra Show guide, February 1996.

Fig. 13. Selection of showbags from the 1996 Royal Canberra Show guide, February 1996.

ACT Government files used

NC-72/01371 - Canberra Showground - 1973 Showday Requirements

96/8218 - MUSEUMS & GALLERIES SECTION, CANBERRA CULTURAL CENTRE, PROMOTION ROYAL CANBERRA SHOW

2013/4702 - COMMUNITY RELATIONS - Marketing - Photographs - Royal Canberra Show 1982 - National Exhibition Centre (NATEX)

01/11558 - POLICY GROUP, ROYAL CANBERRA SHOW 2002

02/4313 - POLICY GROUP, ROYAL CANBERRA SHOW 2002

2024/13426 - GOVERNMENT & STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS - Events (N) - ACT Fire Brigade Display at the 1980 National Agricultural Society Annual Show (Now Canberra Show) - ACT Fire Brigade 6th Annual Report

Images

Fig. 1. ACT Fire Brigade puppet show at Canberra Show, February 1980. File 2024/13426

Fig. 2. ACT Fire Brigade information booth at Canberra Show, 1980. File 2024/13426

Figs. 3- 4. Patrons browsing the commercial exhibits at the Royal Canberra Show, February 1982. File 2013/4702

Fig. 5. Cattle judging at the Royal Canberra Show, February 1982. File 2013/4702

Fig. 6. Farming machinery on display at the Royal Canberra Show, February 1982. File 2013/4702

Fig. 7. Department of Natural Environment display at the Royal Canberra Show, February 1989.

ArchivesACT Flickr, https://www.flickr.com/photos/archivesact/albums/72157615957211672/

Fig. 8. ACT Government display at the Royal Canberra Show, February 2002. File 01/11558

Fig. 9. Wind mars final day of ACT show, Canberra Times article, 8 March 1965. National Library of Australia, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131759741

Fig. 10. Letter from National Agricultural Society to Public Relations Officer N.C.D.C regarding Commissioner W.C Andrews officially opening the Royal Canberra Show, 1 December 1972. File NC-72/01371

Fig. 11. Media release for the 2002 Royal Canberra Show, 1 February 2002. File 02/4313

Fig. 12. Cover page of the 1996 Royal Canberra Show guide, February 1996. File 96/8218

Fig. 13. Selection of showbags from the 1996 Royal Canberra Show guide, February 1996. File 96/8218

References

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