How to join the virtual Royal Melbourne Show at home
The Royal Melbourne Show is going virtual for the first time — but just because you can’t trawl the showbag pavilions these school holidays, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy one of the show’s most-loved traditions.
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There will be no rides, up-close animal encounters or food halls, but the show must go on … virtually, that is.
The Royal Melbourne Show will move online this year, with an 11-day program of activities, competitions, videos, themed days, live farm-cam, interviews and more starting on Saturday.
And despite not being able to trawl the showbag pavilions in person, there is no need to miss out on one of the show’s most-loved traditions.
From chocolate and confectionary to fashion, beauty, entertainment and novelty, hundreds of showbag favourites are available to be ordered online and delivered right to your door.
Showbags on offer at showbags.com.au include bestsellers such as Harry Potter, Barbie, LOL Surprise, Friends and Bluey.
Home-delivered showbags are just one way to get involved in the annual event, which has been cancelled for only the third time in its 165-year history due to coronavirus.
Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria chief executive Brad Jenkins said the virtual program would celebrate all the things Victorians loved about the show, as well as honouring the hundreds of volunteers and exhibitors who help bring the show to life each year.
“While Victorians are unable to attend this year, we have created an exciting program of online content for people of all ages to enjoy and to keep the spirit of the show alive,” he said.
“We look forward to bringing everyone together to celebrate the Royal Melbourne Show when it returns bigger and better in 2021.”
HOW TO JOIN THE ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW AT HOME
As well as showbags, there are several ways to get into the spirit of the Royal Melbourne Show from home.
FARM-CAM LIVE FROM FARMER DARRYL’S FARM
While the farmyard at Melbourne Showgrounds is off-limits this year, you can get a behind the scenes look at life in Farmer Darryl’s animal nursery.
Tune in for a daily dose of cuteness including baby goats, lambs, alpacas and chickens. Feeding times will be promoted on Royal Melbourne Show social media channels.
MASK-MAKING CHALLENGE
Show off your creative skills by sending in a photo of a mask design you have created during lockdown.
Prizes on offer include a $500 Spotlight voucher and a family pass to next year’s Royal Melbourne Show.
FLASHBACK PHOTO COMPETITION
Dig into your photo archives and share photos of memorable moments at the Royal Melbourne Show in years gone by, to be in the running for a Wrangler Prize Pack.
CELEBRATING THE SHOW INTERVIEW SERIES
Throughout the 11-day show, ambassador Lyndsey Douglas will chat with people who help deliver and compete at the show each year.
Interviewees range from Garryowen winner Stephanie Barrington to 2019 Best in Show dog exhibitor Ashlee Houlden and Chants carnival operator Les “Chippa” Chant, and many more.
ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW PODCAST
Host Oli Le Lievre, of Humans of Agriculture, will talk to six show personalities about their experiences in agriculture, competing and volunteering at the show.
Delve into the inner workings of the show with guests including RASV life councillor and director Jason Ronald, Shorthorn beef cattle farmers Ray, Dion and Alistair Brook, and dairy industry research scientist Dr Jo Newton.
AGRICULTURAL COMPETITION JUDGING
Watch live judging of the hoof and hook exhibition direct from Yea Saleyards on Saturday, September 26. The RASV is also offering an online sheep junior judging competition, allowing aspiring sheep judges to submit judging comments via video or audio on one of three sheep breeds.
WHERE TO FIND THE VIRTUAL ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW
Tune into the Royal Melbourne Show website, Facebook and Instagram pages every day from September 19 to 29, and order showbags at showbags.com.au.
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