Ekka 2021: What to expect from Brisbane show during Covid pandemic

After being cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Brisbane’s Ekka is returning with a bang this year, but there will be a number of key differences in a bid to keep it Covid-safe. Here’s what you can expect.

Capped daily numbers, online only ticket sales, round-the-clock cleaning and real-time crowd monitoring cameras are just some of the measures this year’s Ekka will use to welcome the city back to the country in the time of Covid.

Tickets to the historic Comeback Ekka go on sale today after the pandemic forced the cancellation of event for only the third time in its 145-year history

While all of the same attractions and events beloved generations of Queenslanders will return, the Ekka will look different this year.

RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said they had been working with Queensland Health since December last year to plan a Covid Safe event.

A scene from the 2018 Ekka. Crowds this year will be capped under a number of Covid-safe measures. (AAP Image/Steve Pohlner)

“All the unique Ekka traditions the public know and love such as our competitions, animals, food, sideshow alley, kids’ carnival, showbags and entertainment will be on offer once again,” he said.

Mr Christou said public health had been the RNA’s top priority in planning its comeback show – set to be the largest event staged in Queensland since Covid hit.

“More than 70 per cent of the Ekka is outdoors, from our main arena to baby animal nursery, sideshow alley, kids’ carnival areas and many competition venues which are not subject to restricted numbers,” he said.

Mr Christou said ticket prices had been frozen in line with 2018 prices to ensure the show remained affordable for all, while special online discounts would mean prices for family tickets would be the cheapest in almost 15 years.

“It’s vital that ticket prices remain as low as possible, so people are encouraged to return to the Ekka or visit the Show for the first time,’’ he said.

“Great value discounts are available online together with special Super Saver days which will ensure the public can enjoy Ekka on any budget.’’

This year’s Ekka will open on a weekend in a new nine-day format running from Saturday August 7 to Sunday August 15.

To buy tickets go to ekka.com.au