Crowds descend on Brisbane Showgrounds for Ekka 2024

Strawberry sundaes, showbags, adorable animals and perfect weather: Brisbane’s city meets country celebration is finally here.

The gates are open, sundaes flowing and showbags flying - it’s day one of Ekka 2024 and over the next nine days, more than 400,000 are expected to descend on the RNA Showgrounds for Brisbane’s biggest event of the year.

Attendees were given headstart to their Ekka adventure, with gates opening a half an hour early this morning.

With sunny skies and a maximum temperature of 24C, the weather provided the perfect conditions for an early morning strawberry sundae.

Twins Brianna and Katelyn Millanta, 23, had the honour of trying one of the first sundaes of the 2024 show.

Human cannonball Warren Brophy impressed the crowd at the Ekka Preview on Sunday. Picture: Lachie Millard

The New Zealand natives have attended every Ekka over the past five years since moving to Queensland.

“Of course we love getting a sundae, usually at least two actually, but we’ll head straight for the animal nursery now,” she said.

“I love the sheep, they’re so aggressive but lovely, I love the goats and the little puppies.”

The Courier-Mail Showbag Pavilion swarmed with activity as soon as gates opened, with people lugging carts and prams packed full of bags.

Nevada-Reign Hills and Tiana Daniels spent over $400 in 10 minutes.

“We got at least 30 bags, maybe 40, we lost count just getting stuff for us, for the kids and for some people at home,” said Ms Hills.

“We’ve been putting $500 a week away for the last three weeks to get ready, we love it.”

The RNA encouraged Queenslanders to come together to celebrate country spirit in the heart of the city and support the state’s agricultural sector and farming communities, while enjoying the fun of the fair.

10 year old Dillon Cotterill will be entering with Lady the Brahma as one of the feature breeds in the poultry competition this year at the Ekka. Picture: Lachie Millard

RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said the Ekka offered a wide range of budget-friendly options making it affordable for all showgoers.

“We are a not-for-profit organisation and are very mindful of cost-of-living pressures and want to ensure the show can be enjoyed on any budget,” he said.

“We have new value food bundles starting from $7.50 across 110 Ekka food vendors, plus Super Saver Days of show, two-for-one rides returning and more than 300 free things to do and see every day of show.

“The show continues to feature all the traditional and unique experiences we know and love including our beloved competitions, animals, rides, showbags, amazing entertainment including the night show and fireworks plus some of the nation’s finest food and wine.

“Our competitions showcase the very best of Queensland and visitors will be amazed by award-winning entries and exhibitors across 60 sections including cookery, creative arts, quilt making, blacksmithing, woodchopping, beef cattle, poultry, fleece breeds, canine, cats, horse and showjumping.”

Beaudesert State High School Year 11 student Layne Addy will be competing in the Led Steer School Parade. Picture: Nigel Hallett

RNA president David Thomas said they were expecting 40,000 punters through the door on Saturday and thanked Queenslanders for their support.

“Day one is superb, we opened a bit early today at 8.30am, people were queuing at the gates, people were so happy,” he said.

“I’ve just been walking around with the Governor-General who’s massively enjoying it as well as seeing all the sights.”

The show kicked off with the inaugural opening parade and not even a troublesome horse pulling a carriage could detract from the joyful display.

The day time activities will be followed by the EkkaNITES themed NEON NITES show when the Main Arena will be lit up each night in a dazzling display of colour, culminating in spectacular fireworks each night of show.

From exhilarating rides, cuddling baby animals, milking a cow, watching the high-octane monster trucks, enjoying award-winning steaks, the iconic strawberry sundaes and the ever popular dagwood dog, the Ekka will again put on an epic show for Queenslanders.