Sydney Royal Easter Show: Unveiling History and Fun Facts of Australia's Iconic Celebration !

22 March - 2 April 2024

First held in 1823, its original purposes continue: to engage, educate and entertain the community on the value of sustainable agriculture and award-quality animal breeds and produce through exhibits, demonstrations, competitions and displays.

The first Show was held in Parramatta. Awards were given for the best Sheep, Cattle and Horses. Sheep must be “Australian Merino” and Cattle and Horses must be “colonial bred.”

To increase attendance and exhibitors, the Agriculture Society of NSW in 1869 decided to move the Show closer to Sydney and adopted Prince Alfred Park as its new home. In 1882 due to rising costs, the Agriculture Society of NSW moved the Show to new grounds at Moore Park. The site was described as a "desert of rocks and swamp" with some holes 5m deep. A major project was required to ensure the grounds are ready in time for the Show to open. Torrential rains delayed proceedings of the project, the first Show at Moore Park eventually opened on 8 April 1882.

By the late 1980s the Sydney Royal Easter Show attendance grew exponentially, outgrowing the Moore Park facilities. In 1994 the NSW government approved the Show's relocation to Sydney Olympic Park. The first Show was held in 1998.

First appearance of Banana Cake?

In the 'Arts & Crafts - Cookery' section of the 1957 Show catalogue Banana Cake makes what we think is it's first appearance in Royal Easter Show competition. With some serious prize-money offered by the Banana Advertising Committee, there were plenty of eager entrants in: Class 213 - Banana Cake

Download Cake Recipes

At this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show we are expecting:

• Over 400 different breeds of animals on-site
• More than 900 live agriculture demonstrations over 12 days
• Over 700 animals in the Farmyard nursery to see, touch, pat and hold PLUS over 500 chickens expected to hatch on-site
• Over 1,200 head of cattle representing 20 different beef and dairy cow breeds combined
• More than 1,000 dogs competing in the Advance Sydney Royal Agility & Obedience, Breed Confirmation, Club & Association, Dog Show, Baby Puppy Competition, and the Canine Hero Awards
• Awarding over 15,000 trophies, certificates and medals across all 12 days of Show
• Over 25,000 entries in the agricultural, livestock and domestic animal competitions, representing 5,000 exhibitors
• Close to 2,000 entries in the arts and crafts show, which are on display for the public to peruse, enjoy and even purchase
• 15,000 litres of milk being milked and collected at the Working Dairy.

And that’s just the beginning!

Save the Dates for the 2024 Sydney Royal Easter Show - March 22-April 02 2024

Make it part of your family’s tradition.

www.eastershow.com.au

Receive updates - https://www.eastershow.com.au/receive-updates/