Showies spill Ekka secrets … and how to beat this sideshow alley game

Harry Burton-Hayes spends about 13 hours a day running the Ekka bucket toss.

The classic carnival game is one of dozens at this year’s Brisbane show, and requires players to land a bouncy yellow ball in a red tub to win prizes.

Englishman Harry Burton-Hayes backpacked around Europe before landing in Australia.Credit: William Davis

“You want to aim up and over,” he explains, then effortlessly lobs a ball cleanly into the bucket.

“You actually don’t want to hit the back because [it’ll bounce out], you want to hit the front just like that.”

About 180,000 people have already been through the gates at Brisbane Showgrounds since the 2024 Ekka opened.

More than 22 tonnes of dagwood dogs and 130,000 strawberry sundaes are expected to be consumed before it wraps up on Sunday.

“The crowds have been all right but the weather’s been a bit shocking,” Burton-Hayes said.

“For us, we’ve been telling people, ‘Come on, swim up to the game.’

“We’ve made do with what we’ve got … I’m having a great time.”

The 23-year-old is from North Lincolnshire in England and, like many Ekka workers, is backpacking across Australia.

He moved to Brisbane about 10 months ago and has visited almost every major city while working at least 13 hours a day.

“Honestly, if you’re a backpacker and you don’t mind living in the pits a bit it’s definitely a good way to travel,” Burton-Hayes said.

“You see so many people and start building a bond with them.

“I hit rock-bottom in 2022 … I picked myself up and … I was like, ‘Sod it, I’m going to go try Australia on the other side of the world.’

“I’ve started identifying as an Australian. I’ve got the mullet, got the moustache.”

Queenslander Xanthe Jones performs at the nearby Hollywood Horrors ghost ride.

“I’ve been a carnie before and I quite enjoyed it … I just like coming to the Ekka,” she said.

“A good way to experience the Ekka is to see the underbelly of it and work here.”

Like Burton-Hayes, Jones was taking the damp weather in her stride.

When Hollywood Horrors performer Xanthe Jones isn’t spooking Ekka patrons, she’s a multi-faceted Brisbane creative, working as an artistic director, among other roles.Credit: Catherine Strohfeldt

“It’s been very, very muddy in the back areas. If you think it’s a little not glam on the outside or strolling around, it’s really not glam back there.

“It’s all worth it because, honestly, hanging out with the people all day and being a roving performer and entertainer, you get to meet some wonderful people.”