2023 Ekka attracts crowds of 400,000

August 31, 2023

The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) has advised that 400,000 people have enjoyed Ekka’s most successful show in years.

Benefitting from fine weather across its nine days (from 12^th to 20^th August), the 144th Royal Queensland Show presented by RACQ was the most attended since 2019, before the covid-19 pandemic.

Explaining that this year’s Show was a true celebration of the country coming to the city and had attracted people from all over Australia, RNA Chief Executive, Brendan Christou stated “this year’s attendance figures have surpassed last year’s comeback Ekka of 345,000 and are back to pre-pandemic crowds.

“Our goal was to welcome 400,000 in total by the end of show and we are on track to achieve that by night’s end.

“This is a terrific result, and we thank the people of Queensland for their amazing support.

“We enjoyed strong pre-sales, which showed the public appreciated the great value on offer in the lead up to Ekka.”

Advising that discounted ticket deals on the four Super Saver Days - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday proved popular - resulting in one of the biggest Mondays in recent history, Christou noted “our first ever daily two for one ride special was a huge hit with families taking advantage of it every morning of Show.

“We wanted to ensure there were value savings to be had at the Show this year, so it was great to see Queenslanders take up these discounts and deals.”

High profile visitors included Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Hollywood movie star Matt Damon and his family.

Christou went on to say that visitors enjoyed all the traditional show favourites such as the animals, championship competitions, live entertainment, exciting rides and fun showbags, adding “competition entries this year were back at pre-pandemic levels - 21,000 across 46 sections (and) it was wonderful to see that competitive spirit alive and well as they aspired for a coveted blue ribbon.

“From champion woodchoppers to pint sized horse competitors and elderly bakers, the Ekka has a competition for everyone, and it was heart-warming to see the public continue to cherish this beloved tradition.

“The public also delighted in the 10,000 animals on display at the Show, and in turn learned about agriculture and Queensland’s farming communities.”

Among highlights, People’s Day was hugely successful with more than 67,000 people attending the Show, Ekka Monday a huge 48,000 plus attending, while the final Saturday seeing more than 50,000 come through the gates.

Ekka 2023 numbers (approximate):

208,000+ Dagwood Dogs eaten
150,000+ Strawberry Sundaes eaten
1,500+ volunteers help stage the Show
$220 million + amount Ekka generates for the Brisbane economy
3,500 + jobs created
550+ exhibitor stands
37,000+ cheese toasties (two tonne of butter and four tonne of cheese)
210,000+ schooners of beer
40,000+ cans of rum
5,800+ award-winning steaks
3 tonnes + of fireworks used each night • 37,000 + glasses of wine
7,000 + tasting plates of award-winning steak and lamb
4,100m3 + of sawdust and sand used as animal bedding
3,000 + corsages made

16th August 2023 - Office of Fair Trading inspects Ekka showbags to ensure safety standards are met

12th August 2023 - RNA expects 100,000 to attend Ekka’s opening weekend

24th April 2023 - Dianne Rigg appointed as new General Manager of Brisbane’s Ekka

29th July 2022 - Ekka showgoers to be provided with free face masks

28th April 2022 - After two years of cancellations organisers look to a bumper Brisbane Ekka

2nd August 2021 - Extension of South East Queensland lockdown sees EKKA cancelled for second year

5th July 2021 - Ekka looks to 2021 event safely reuniting country and city

10th August 2020 - South-East Queensland tourism boosted by moving Ekka public holiday

7th April 2020 - RNA announces cancellation of Brisbane’s Ekka

17th August 2019 - Ekka showbag sellers face pressure to reduce single-use plastic

9th August 2019 - Ekka prioritises amusement ride safety

22nd August 2018 - Ekka attracts growing international visitor numbers

9th August 2018 - New experiences at 2018 Ekka

10th August 2017 - Queensland authorities focus on Ekka safety

15th July 2017 - Ekka launches new initiatives in 140th year

6th August 2016 - Police issue wristbands for child safety at the Ekka

12th July 2016 - The ‘Old Museum’ returns to Brisbane’s Ekka after 119 years

8th July 2016 - Ekka free to ban safety inspection company being prosecuted over Royal Adelaide Show ride death

7th August 2015 - Amusement ride operators to undergo Ekka safety audits

22nd July 2015 - Ekka urges Queenslanders to back the bush

27th May 2015 - 2015 Ekka aims to unearth the next star in country music

3rd May 2015 - Ekka countdown signals big savings for families

8th August 2014 - Brisbane celebrates Ekka opening

18th July 2014 - Historic investment precedes 2014 Ekka

26th August 2013 - Four people suffering bacterial illness linked to Ekka

19th August 2013 - Ekka ignites to bring in crowds of more than 400,000

8th August 2013 - Police highlight need for parental awareness as Ekka opens at new look RNA Showgrounds

25th July 2013 - New night show and facilities for 2013 Ekka

7th May 2013 - Ekka 2013 tickets now on sale

23rd August 2012 - New plaza precinct set to transform 2013 Ekka

20th August 2012 - Ekka attracts 400,000 visitors for the third consecutive year

8th August 2012 - 2012 Ekka promises family savings

2nd August 2012 - Sideshow workers underpaid at 2011 Ekka

15th August 2011 - Big opening weekend of Ekka action

1st December 2010 - Ekka transformation wins development approval

20th August 2010 - Ekka Farewells Successful Show

4th August 2010 - 2011 Brisbane Ekka to offer fresh fruit showbag

3rd March 2010 - EKKA Chairlift For Sale

27th August 2009 - Perth Royal Show bans pigs: EKKA attendance dips

12th August 2009 - EKKA transformation gets the green light

10th August 2009 - Busy Weekend for Brisbane Ekka

19th August 2008 - Queenslanders flock to the EKKA

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