Live music returns to Adelaide Show for first time in 20 years

After a two-year hiatus thanks to Covid, the Royal Adelaide Show returns this September – along with something we haven’t seen in more than 20 years.

Revellers can party like it’s 1999 at this year’s Royal Adelaide Show as live music returns to the nine-day event for the first time in 23 years.

In what is being touted as “South Australia’s biggest reunion”, exhibitors, farmers, entertainers and carnies will again converge on Wayville in September after a two-year hiatus because of Covid.

While the Showground hosted musical acts between 2000-2019, this year’s event will see the return of a dedicated live music program – the first of its kind since 1999 – thanks to a $500,000 state government grant.

“We have never presented a live music program quite like this before,” said the Show’s marketing manager, Jordan Philp.

Woodchopper Jake Schulz, musician Pat Harman, performer Sarah Trotta, Alfie Heinrich, 3 gardening guru Sophie Thompson and Motocross rider Lucas Mantas gearing up for this year’s Show – the first since the Covid pandemic. Picture: Tom Huntley

“South Australian and Indigenous artists will be playing all day, every day from 10am to 7/8pm on the BankSA stage until the Main Arena entertainment commences. Then the live music will continue after the fireworks.

“I feel like it’s going to attract a new crowd. We’re really appreciative of the state government's support.”

Organisers are anticipating upwards of 400,000 people through the gates over September 3-11, a quarter coming from regional SA and interstate, and an injection of around $170m into the local economy.

“In 2019 we did a study with Ernst & Young and we had a gross economic contribution of $170m annually,” Ms Philp said.

“Noting the support and participation in events this year, such as the Fringe and Adelaide Festival, we have no reason to believe that the injection would not be similar.”

Days Whiteface stud principal Lachy Day said the Show’s return would be important for rural and livestock communities.

Beef cattle exhibitor Lachy Day, from Days Whiteface, said the Show’s return was important to rural and livestock communities, and he was looking forward to the “camaraderie, catching up with mates and other people you don’t see unless you’re at the Show”.

It’s a sentiment that inspired this year’s slogan: South Australia’s Biggest Reunion.

“Our family started showing in 1931 and we haven’t missed a Show since, besides for the pandemic and World War,” Mr Day said.

“It’s an important event … not only for the fellowship but to be able to share your ideas and promote your business. The Show plays an important role in introducing youth to the agricultural industry and fostering their interest.”

Musician Pat Harman said the Show’s new program would be a welcome platform for many artists who have had gigs cancelled throughout the pandemic.

“For original acts and emerging artists, it’s the exposure and opportunity to able to reach a wider audience that’s invaluable,” said Mr Harman, who’s a member of band, Alpha Street.

“There is so much talent in South Australia, and a lot of bands that are of really high standard, so it’s great that we are profiling the talent from within our own state.”

Covid-safe measures will include wider aisles in pavilions to allow for social distancing and hygiene stations around the grounds. Depending on government health advice at the time, organisers are not anticipating mask or vaccine mandates.

Tickets go on sale in August.