Royal Melbourne Show

The Royal Melbourne Show is an agricultural show held at the Royal 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.

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 peculiarly 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.

Displays

Equestrian Competition.

Competitions

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

The major equestrienne competition of Australia is the Garryowen trophy which is held here. This is a memorial trophy to Mrs Murrell's bravery in attempting to save her hack, Garryowen. The competition is judged on mount, costume, saddlery, riding ability and general appearance of horsewomen.^[3]

There are also Art, Craft and Cookery Competitions.

Pavilions

A lamb in the petting area at the 2013 show

Wood chopping contest

Cows on show

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

• The Grand Pavilion where visitors can buy produce including wine, cheese, smallgoods, sauces, fresh fruit, vegetables, homemade ice cream, cheese and hand made chocolates. In 2012 the Grand Pavilion also hosted some of the Victorian Government stands.
• The Grand Boulevard is a boulevard with selected themed commercial sites scattered along the spine sweeps across the full length of the site.
• The Entertainment Dome is a brand new roofed attraction that replaced the "Herald Sun Town Centre" in 2012. It is a state of the art entertainment venue with food stalls, a major stage (designed for major events/shows), and also a smaller stage for music acts. In 2012 it hosted the My Kitchen Rules live show.
• The Coca-Cola Arena is a 9,000 square metre open air arena where crowds can watch the special events and entertainment.
• nab Animal Nursery Discovery Farm has baby animals, a shearing shed, a milking shed and a chook shed.
• The Isuzu D-Max Woodchop Pavilion has woodchopping competitions during the day and music at night.
• The Weekly Times Livestock Pavilion. this is a huge pavilion where visitors can see the animals or watch what’s happening on the judging rings.
• The Showbag Pavilion. is a large 3,000 square metre Hoecker building. Primary site for Showbag sales.
• The Art, Craft & Cookery Pavilion is full of crafts such as clothing, leather goods, cookery, home made and hand-crafted jewellery and glass decorations.
• The Paddock to Plate Pavilion is where companies, government agencies and educational institutions come together to present a showcase of the latest innovations in the meat industry and agriculture, spanning everything from cropping to machinery. As its name suggests, it is currently primarily aimed at educating the public on the meat industry. It was previously called "The Weekly Times AgriTech" during the era in which its educational aim was wider.
• The Pets & Poultry Pavilion promotes products and services directly targeted towards pet owners, including grooming products, pet foods and pet equipment. It was previously known as "The Wonderful World of Pets".
• The Tastes Of Victoria Pavilion is a new Pavilion that debuted in 2012. It is a Pavilion designed to showcase country Victorian produce and food, primarily hosting smaller exhibitors who were formerly housed in the Grand Pavilion. It replaced "The Victorian Government Expo.", which was permanently dissolved, due to lack of popularity.
• The Kids Zone Pavilion Incorporating stalls selling toys and merchandise, and activities for children. In 2012 it primarily housed Emergency Services exhibitors, due to the dissolution of "The Victorian Government Expo".
• The Sports and Leisure Pavilion where visitors can take part in the interactive sports and leisure activities, located next to the Showbag Hall.
• The Market Bazaar has a variety of knick knacks and novelties. Products range from mobile phone accessories, novelties, jewellery, magic, clothing, artwork and other items.
• The Herald Sun Home and Living Pavilion has art, craft and photography displays. It was previously known as "The Rural Life Pavilion", before being renamed in 2012, possibly due to the closure of the "Herald Sun Town Square" and the need to use the Sponsor's name elsewhere.

Entertainment

Entertainment consists of multiple live performances, activities and displays. Entertainers have included Dorothy the Dinosaur from the children's group The Wiggles, Play School 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.

In 2012, a major new covered venue, The Entertainment Dome, replaced the old "Herald Sun Town Square" in both position and in purpose. In addition to housing the old stage, seating and food facilities, the venue also includes a state of the art main stage, with its own audience stand, equipped to run ticketed shows. The capacity of the new venue is around 500 seats. In 2012 the venue hosted the My Kitchen Rules live show. Like the Grand Pavilion next to it, the Entertainment Dome is designed to look like a permanent circus tent.

The views from the Ferris wheel across Melbourne’s skyline and the Showgrounds are significant and if you're lucky enough to be on the top as the fireworks display begins you’ll enjoy the best seats in the house. The show grounds houses an abundance of rides ranging from dodgem cars to roller coasters and helicopter rides.

Rides

Rides at the Melbourne Show 2013

Rides at the Melbourne Show 2013

• Wave Swinger
• Claw
• Cliff Hanger
• Crazy Coaster
• Dodgem Cars
• Dominator
• Ferris Wheel
• Hayley & Tegan join the circus
• Rockin' Tug
• Hard Rock
• Techno Jump
• Taipan
• No Limit
• Thunderbolt
• Sea XPlorer
• Mad Mouse
• Chaos
• Pirates Revenge Flume Ride
• Alibaba (until 2010)
• Roller Ghoster
• Breakdance
• Speed
• Mega Mix Ride
• Kamikaze
• Space Roller
• Hangover(replaced the Twin Flip, in 2012)

The children's rides include:

• Grand Carousel
• Jump Around
• Taxi Jet Car
• Circus Swing
• Harley Hog Motor Bike Ride
• Rockin' Tug
• Flash Dance
• Shark Inflatable
• Tiger Inflatable
• Elephant Jet
• Miniature Railway
• Go Gator Coaster
• Circus Circus
• F1 Euro Slide
• Undersea Mini Wheel
• City Bridge Convoy
• Samba Balloon Ride
• Aladdin Mini Jet
• Cup & Saucer Ride
• Outback Pony Rides
• Outback Rattler
• Free Fall
• Mini Jet
• Train Ride
• Ferrari 500 Racers
• Magic Swans

Partners and sponsors

The Royal Melbourne Show is sponsored by a large number of companies and organisations. These are; Coca-Cola, Woolworths, Commonwealth Bank, Pedigree. The show is proudly sponsored by Herald Sun, The Weekly Times, RACV, Stock and Land, Quit, Whiskas, Pura Milk, Nestle, Isuzu D-Max, Red Energy, grinders coffee, CUB and Thomas Dux. Royal Melbourne Show is a media partner of ABC & Channel 31 Melbourne.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Royal Melbourne Show.

• Showgrounds Railway Station
• Sydney Royal Easter Show

External links

• Royal Melbourne Show website
• Live at Night at the Royal Melbourne Show
• Photos from the 2006 Royal Melbourne Show (post renovations.)

References