New-look Gold Coast Show off to a roaring start as crowds make most of free entry

THE new-look Gold Coast Show is off to a roaring start, with eager crowds streaming through the gates in large numbers from the moment the event swung into action.

Gold Coast Show is on from tomorrow. Photo of Billie Frampton (6) getting spooked. Photo by Richard Gosling

UPDATE: AN electrical fault has prevented crew from starting up the giant ferris wheel at this year’s Gold Coast Show.

Technicians are working to resolve the fault so riders can enyoy spectacular views of the city’s skyline from the top of the attraction, at the southern end of the show’s Broadwater Parklands base.

Show organisers are delighted with the high number of people who’ve turned out at Broadwater Parklands and Owen Park on the first day of the three-day event.

Steve Curtis from Showtime Showbags has been selling showbags at the Gold Coast Show for 10 years.

“This is the biggest I’ve ever seen,” he said.

“For the first three or four hours, we’ve never done a day’s work like it.”

Mr Curtis said some showbags would likely to sell out before Sunday.

“We won’t run out today,” he said.

Parking in Southport in metered spaces is free on public holidays.

Australia Fair’s car park has also been filling up today as show crowds pour into the precinct.

Normal parking charges and restrictions apply on all public holidays in Burleigh Heads, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

Earlier: Mayor Tom Tate likes the Gold Coast Show’s new home so much he wants to make the move permanent.

The new-look Gold Coast Show was off to a roaring start this morning, with eager crowds streaming through the gates and parking spaces filling up from the moment the event swung into action.

Cr Tate tipped the event to attract a crowd of up to 100,000 people across three days.

Entry to the show is completely free this year for the first time in the event’s 118-year history.

The event’s opening day has been greeted by perfect weather, with the new-look Sideshow Alley at Broadwater Parklands as popular as it is picturesque.

The nearby Carey Park carpark has been full for most of the day, with commuters encouraged to use the light rail to get to the event.

Crowds flock to the Gold Coast show.

The new Block’s Queensland contestants Norm and Jess have been meeting and greeting fans of the show at Broadwater Parklands this morning.

Families have been queing to enter the animal nursery on the waterfront at the Parklands — another of the show’s free attractions.

Crowds looking for the show’s arts and crafts display at Broadwater Parklands will find it on the other side of the field of super cool scarecrows made and presented by local primary school children.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GOLD COAST SHOW

The Gold Coast Show is underway. Photo of Paige Fisher and Flynn Fisher with Tyson the camel and John Richardson from Yapoon. Photo by Richard Gosling

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Casey Barnes will headline tonight’s free live entertainment program when he plays the main stage in Broadwater Parklands at 7.20pm.

The show’s animal events are also under way at Owen Park, with bumper crowds embracing the return of a full equestrian program.

Gold Coast Show is on from tomorrow. Photo of Paige Fisher (6) on the swings. Photo by Richard Gosling

Highlights on today’s program at Owen Park include the Stud Beef Competition, national qualifying equestrian events, food trucks, a baby animal farm and goats, with the show dogs events on Saturday.

Crowds heading to Owen park can catch the light rail to the Sueen St station or pay $5 to park at Southport High School.

Police have reminded motorists travelling anywhere near Broadwater Parklands at Southport to expect delays due to traffic diversions.

GOLD COAST SHOW: COMPLETE SHOWBAG GUIDE

Billie Frampton (6) getting spooked at the Gold Coast show. Photo by Richard Gosling

“Police will be present at, and around, the show site to ensure public safety and minimal disruption to local residents and businesses throughout the event,” Major Events Group Inspector Matt Rosevear said.

Residents and pet owners are also warned the Gold Coast Show will host a fireworks display at 8pm tonight, tomorrow and on Sunday at 7pm.

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Paige and Flynn Fisher enjoy the dodgem cars. Photo by Richard Gosling

Police say motorists can expect delays and traffic congestion at the following Southport roads:

• Speed reduction to 40km/hr along the Gold Coast Highway between Nind Street and Sundale Bridge until 10pm Sunday.

• Closure of parking bays along the Gold Coast Highway between Nerang Street and Ada Bell Way until 11pm Sunday.

• Congestion on Queens Street, outside Owen Park, due to Gold Coast Show Equestrian events.