More than 30,000 turn out for 2022 Royal Darwin Show
The Royal Darwin show has come and gone for another year with more than 30,000 Territorians flooding through the gates. SEE ALL THE PICS.
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THE Royal Darwin show has come and gone for another year with more than 30,000 Territorians flooding through the gates.
Show chief executive Cherry Court said 2021 was “one of the biggest shows” they had ever had and that energy carried onto this weekend.
“This year was the 71st show and each year the event continues to grow,” she said.
“It is such an amazing opportunity for so many people to showcase their passions.
“Agriculture, horticulture, photography, cooking, there is always something for everyone.”
ALL THE PICS FROM THE 2022 ROYAL DARWIN SHOW
Like many within the post-pandemic entertainment industry, Ms Court said show organisers suffered from staffing shortages leading up to the three day event.
“We were absolutely stretched for resources this year,” she said.
“Everyone had to put in a bigger effort which helped us get through.”
Despite the lack of spare hands Ms Court said it was a “terrific show” and like always the equestrian was a crowd favourite.
“Horses are always an iconic part of the show,” she said.
Acacia Hills father Gary Branson competed in the show jumping on Saturday alongside his 13-year-old son Harry.
Mr Branson returned to the sport after 25 years when his son wanted to take up the reins.
“When he started riding I got drawn back into it,” he said.
“We love coming out to events like this together when people get to watch a sport that they often see nowhere else.”
Harry was very happy to be out in front of a crowd over the weekend in what was his first show competition.
“It is very different having more people here but it is pretty exciting,” he said.
Animals galore at the Royal Darwin Show
ALL creatures great and small were on display at the Royal Darwin Show on Friday, but with a few small changes to the traditional set-up.
With fears of a potential Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak increasing, kids were left to appreciate animals from the exterior of petting zoos.
Also, visitors to the cattle pen were only permitted to enter after passing through a citric acid footbath.
Alison Haines is team leader in Agriculture and Rural Operations and Associate Vice-Chancellor for Katherine and the Big Rivers region at Charles Darwin University, she said it was a shame they couldn’t bring as many cattle to the show this year because of the current biosecurity measures, but it is pleased people are being careful. “We’re not panicking, but being very proactive and absolutely doing everything we can to keep it out,” she said.
“It’s better to be positive, and do positive things … to minimise the risk as much as we can.”
Ms Haines stressed the importance of increased biosecurity measures at Australian airports including sterilisation of footwear, sniffer dogs and heightened luggage inspections.
NT News journo takes out cake competition
NT News head of print Phillippa Butt has taken out the Celebrity Baking Challenge at the Royal Darwin Show.
The competition — this year held between journalists and politicians — ruled the cake must have a mango theme, and have ties to the Queen’s Jubilee year.
With seven participants, NT Administrator Vicki O’Halloran was the chief judge, saying Butt’s cake had the strongest mango flavour.
Using local Humpty Doo mangoes, the amateur baker doubled the fruit in the recipe and had an unconventional way of getting the right consistency.
“After washing my hands, of course, I used my fingers to squish the mangoes into more of a pulp,” Butt said.
“My first attempt I had cubes of mango but they sank to the bottom. This time, they stayed throughout the entire cake.”
DAY ONE
The 71st Royal Darwin Show kicked off on Thursday with thousands of kids — and kids at heart — enjoying the first day of fun and events.
They were the first of an expected 50,000 showgoers to pack Darwin Showgrounds this long weekend to check out some of the Territory’s finest farm animals, produce, rides and food.
But for yesterday’s early starters there seemed to be one attraction above all others – The Showbags – and with over 300 to choose from there was no shortage of options.
Bags packed with lollies and chocolate or featuring hit kids TV series Bluey appeared to be best in show on the day.
Helen Faint, 11, said her highlight was her Makeup and Squishy Things Showbags, but was looking forward to coming back to try the rides over the weekend.
But the Showbags weren’t the only hit with the kids, many of who said the rollercoasters in Sideshow Alley were the best part of their day.
This year’s show has a number of rides to suit both daredevils and the faint of heart, including Dodge Em Cars, The Music Trip and the Ferris wheel.
For Gabriel Riley, 11, the day was all about soaking up “The games, the prizes and all the fun stuff here.”
SEE ALL THE PICS FROM THE SHOW HERE, UPDATED DAILY
Festival chief executive Cherry Court said showgoer numbers had stayed consistent over the past 10 years, so organisers were expecting to welcome between 45,000 and 48,000 people across the four days of festivities.
But the show was not all about rollercoasters and show bags, Ms Court said.
“One of the most important elements of the show was to educate people about the best animals and produce from around the Territory,” she said.
“We have education, we have entertainment … and they’re kind of our core elements, so people will want to come and see animals, they want to come and get information. People are promoting things you get to learn, why is the judge picking that cow?
“What are the good points, and all the various other information … that’s a very big element of the show.
“You can even speak to your local member, where else can you do that?”
The program will also feature several new rides and entertainment activities to keep even the most seasoned showgoer interested.
One of these, Big Bang Science, is expected to be popular with children and adults alike.
For young volunteer Darcie-Rose Mahony the best part of the show is the birds.
It’s another thing young and old(er) can agree on.
Ms Court said her favourites were the chickens.
“I like so much of it really, but if I just had to say, ‘well, what do you like?’ I like going down to the chook pavilion because I’m a bit of a chook fancier myself,” she said.
The Royal Darwin Show runs from Thursday to Sunday at Darwin Showgrounds in Winnellie.
Entry tickets are available online now at here.
Here is what entertainment can be expected at the 2022 Royal Darwin Show:
Dinkum Dinosaurs
The Dinkum Dinosaurs return to the Show with their much-loved ventriloquist and comedy dinosaur puppet show and a prehistoric world filled with genuine bones, fossils and artefacts including a baby dinosaurs’ zoo.
You will be welcomed by Ranger Jim who will combine education on Australian Dinosaurs with the very entertaining Dezzy and Tickles dinosaur puppets show.
The whole family will love Dilo, the 4m long walk around disco dancing Dilophosaurus.
Big Bang Science Show
New to the Show, the Big Bang Science Show is a celebration of science featuring a variety of exciting and fun demonstrations presented by professional science communicators and educators.
With three demonstrations each day, topics will include light and colours, optical illusions, air pressure, forces, chemical reactions, and states of matter.
You won’t want to miss the workshops throughout the day where kids make their own fluffy and stretchy colourful slime creation and can take it home in their own bag.
Birds Birds Birds
Attention all bird lovers!
The Royal Darwin Show will have a colourful bird display in our Aviculture Hall this year, highlighting the many varieties of birds and focusing on education and care.
Don’t forget to stop by Aviculture Hall to see a fascinating array of birds from tiny finches to colourful cockatoos and the displays of non-venomous snakes.
Live at the Bandstand
Australian and local artists will storm the stage from 10am to 9.45pm on Friday and Saturday, to create a show for all the ages.
From magicians, acrobats, dancers, performing artists, big band, country to rock, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
This year, as well as the Royal Darwin Show Country Music Talent Competition with the opportunity to win a cash prize of $1200, some of our most talented NT musos will also perform at the Show for the chance to participate in the Passport to Airlie competition, win great prizes and compete at the national finals at Airlie Beach.
Yellow Brick Road Adventure
Everyone’s favourite Yellow Brick Road is back at the Royal Darwin Show.
This year’s adventure map will take children and their families on a fun, rewarding and educational journey around the show, in search of participating stalls, as they explore and visit the Show.
Celebrity Baking Challenge with Charlie King as MC
On Friday at 11am you won’t want to miss the fun and taste of the Celebrity Baking Challenge with Charlie King as MC.
This year’s competition will be held in the Reception Pavilion next to the Members Enclosure where you will see our local politicians and journalists going head-to-head to win the coveted title and bragging rights of best celebrity baker.
Don’t forget, all the cakes are shared with the audience.
Chainsaw sculptor
You’ll be amazed by the master skills and speed of Rob Bast.
Rob is a full-time chainsaw sculptor who works mainly with wood and steel but has also carved ice and stone.
Rob won first place at the Australian Chainsaw Carving Championships, and second and fourth place at two of the biggest chainsaw carving competitions in the world.
Rob will be creating beautiful wood sculptures at the Darwin Show over the three days.
Don’t miss the opportunity to bid on one of his masterpieces at the auction on Friday at 5.30pm.
The Sandman
World Champion Dennis Massoud, the Grandmaster of Sand will create three amazing and unique scenes each day which are sure to delight both children and parents.
The master sand sculptor has more than a few tricks up his sleeve and has promised yet another spectacular and exciting creation.
There’ll be free workshops so make sure the kids stop by and learn from the best in the world.
Holden Vs Ford V8s Challenge
The hi-tech track skills performance utes are back and will get your adrenaline pumping as Holden and Ford V8s compete for superiority in the main arena with speedway-style figure 8 races that puts Holden and Ford head-to-head.
This year ‘the best of the best’ Gary Baxter (Holden – SA National V8 Ute Racer) will face off against Steven Ling (leading NT Sprint Car driver and Hidden Valley Ford Manager).
Horticultural Hall
View a wide range of Territory grown produce and plants on display in Horticultural Hall. There are heaps of exhibits from giant pumpkins and tomatoes to stunning orchids, miniature gardens, scarecrows and recycled garden decorations.
You’ll find fun and engaging demonstrations and gardening tips to encourage whole family participation.
Find out from the experts how to grow tropical herbs and veggies, beautiful bromeliads, bonsai, orchids, and learn how to graft fruit trees, identify plant pests and diseases, extract and spin honey, and make floral art.
Don’t miss the opportunity to view and learn about our local native stingless bees.
Arts/Crafts/Cookery
This year’s nominated fruit is ‘mango’ and there is a high number of entries across most categories coming far and wide to compete for a Royal award.
There are numerous entries for home brews and diverse categories likes in the ‘men only’ Father’s Favourite baking.
You’ll see many varieties of delicious homemade entries such as ginger beer, liqueurs, cakes and biscuits.
View the diverse range of creative arts and crafts entries from lacework, quilting, Lego masterpieces, woodwork to pottery, ceramics and graffiti art on display in Rotary Hall, plus the Territory Homemade Fishing Lure category.
Don’t miss the highly contested school and junior art categories.
Spear Throwing/Fire Lighting
The traditional Spear throwing, and fire lighting competitions are held on Saturday afternoon with MC Charlie King.
This popular event showcases traditional Aboriginal culture and skills with the throwing of handmade spears, which can go as far as 35m.
The spear throwing is on at 3pm on Saturday in the main arena, followed by the traditional fire lighting competition.
There are great prizes to be won and you can still register by contacting Claire on 0408 821 912.
Animals Galore
The small livestock exhibits which primarily include chickens, turkeys, ducks and goats is back in the Joe Yates Pavilion.
Poultry is one of the original show categories from 1951 with hundreds of entries each year, including from Katherine.
Find out about the amazing and diverse breeds of turkeys, chickens, ducks and geese, and imported breeds which are often the result of years of selective breeding.
The popular baby animal nursery, within the small livestock pavilion includes lots of furry and feathered friends for the kiddies to pat and feed, with the opportunity to be photographed.
See the inquisitive and friendly baby goats, rabbits, piglets and more.
The dog event and Championship Dog Show and Trials are always a big draw card.
Held later in the afternoon, the Royal Darwin Show will again have representation from around the nation, where junior and adult handlers compete on the same level.
There’s the adorable puppy category and you won’t want to miss the exciting agility and obedience competitions and the challenging Rally O orienteering course with dog and handler.
The Cat Association of the NT will again be showcasing an interesting array of breeds of cats in the Cat Pavilion, including this year a Ragdolls, Maine Coons, British Short-Hairs, Russian Blues and Burmese.
Domestic and companion cats will also be on display and in partnership with local rescue centres, each day there will be cats ready for adoption at the Show.
Equestrian
The Royal Show is one of the most prestigious events on the equestrian calendar and it is one the biggest Sections at the show, with competitors from interstate as well as intrastate.
There are hundreds of individual classes across diverse categories for various disciplines and breeds, from miniature pony and Arabian to Clydesdale.
The category for fancy dress is on again and calls for all horses and riders to show off their creativity.
There are plenty of traditional events to enjoy such as dressage, show jumping and pony club competitions for all ages, including the action of the NT Polocrosse mixed teams on the main arena.
Territory Cattle on Show
The cattle yards at the Royal Darwin Show are overflowing this year and will showcase some of the best stud cattle that the Territory has to offer.
With stud Brahman cattle coming up from past winners Taminmin College and the Katherine Rural College, as well as from Alice Springs, you can expect strong competition.
All cattle will be weighed on Wednesday.
Commercial cattle will be judged on Thursday.
Stud cattle will be judged on Friday and will be vying for the Supreme Champion trophy.
Don’t miss Thursday’s education program with the opportunity to learn about all things pastoral in a fun ‘hands on’ way, and to talk to producer and industry leaders.
Agriculture Matters
New to the Show this year, you won’t miss the impressive giant RaboTruck which has been touring nationally, sharing knowledge, telling the amazing story of our Aussie farmers and bridging the rural urban divide.
Rabobank has teamed up with the NT Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, NT Farmers Association and NTCA.
Kids will love the fun activities with mascot George the Farmer who will be onsite on Friday 22 July to perform at 10am and again at 2pm.
This educational program is supported by the Rabo Community Fund which was established to provide support for rural and agricultural communities.
NT Farmers will also be running a series of education activities for schoolchildren throughout the day, and there will be plenty more with virtual reality goggles showing cattle mustering by helicopter and other hands-on events like soil testing.
Photography
Don’t forget to visit Photography Hall where a large and varied array of photos are on display.
The categories include monochrome, people, nature, photo journalism, landscapes and experimental fine art.
If this is your hobby, you can pick up some tips from the experts.
City of Darwin Council Fireworks Finale
Watch as the sky lights up in the main arena with the spectacular Saturday night finale fireworks in sequence to music starting at 9pm.
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