Ekka 2020 cancelled as coronavirus pandemic continues to affect major events across QLD

The 2020 Ekka has been cancelled for only the third time in its 144-year history, falling victim to the coronavirus pandemic, with organisers confirming when we can next expect the show to take place.

COVID-19 has claimed another big name event - the Ekka.

RNA Chief executive Brendan Christou announced today the cancellation of the show in the interest of public health.

Ekka fans will instead have to wait until next year to get their rides and showbags fix.

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The showgrounds and Royal International Convention Centre remain on standby to provide temporary hospital accommodation.

“This is the biggest worldwide health crisis in generations; these are very challenging and unprecedented times, and nothing is more important than ensuring the best outcome for public health is achieved,’’ Mr Christou said.

“The RNA will provide every assistance to the government during this public health emergency, including the use of our Royal International Convention Centre which can be transformed into a functioning hospital as required.”

This is only the third time in the show’s history it has been cancelled.

“Over the past 144 years, the Brisbane Showgrounds have been used to help the community in times of need, including being used as a treatment centre in 1918 for those suffering from Spanish Influenza to an evacuation centre for those impacted by the devastation of the 2011 Brisbane floods,” he said.

Crowds at the 2019 Ekka. Pic Annette Dew

A decision on the future of the August show had been set down for mid-June with organisers hoping that the crisis would have been over by then.

But with the social-distancing rules set to continue for months, Mr Christou said it was important to make a decision now as many exhibitors and competitors spend months preparing for the show and getting entries ready.

In addition, hundreds of volunteers who donate their time year plan their annual leave around the show dates.

“They are incredibly passionate and supportive of the show and we wanted to give them as much notice as possible,’’ Mr Christou said.

“We are also very mindful of our farming families who rely on events like the Ekka that not just showcase and reward the best of the best, but also provide much needed respite and highlight the many challenges they face such as drought.

“Just as our bush communities and farming families inspire us with their resilience the RNA will work tirelessly to ensure the 2021 Ekka is the biggest and best yet.”

As recently as March 12, organisers said they had planned to go ahead with the event despite coronavirus concerns.