While half the country locks down, ‘one of the biggest crowds ever’ pours into the Darwin Show

While half the country bunkers down in lockdown, in amazingly contrasting scenes ‘close to one of the biggest crowds’ ever has engulfed the Royal Darwin Showgrounds to whoop it up at Friday’s ‘Show Day’.

• NT Tourism and hospitality’s bumper Dry season hit by interstate Covid-19 restrictions

WHILE half the country bunkers down in lockdowns, unable to leave their own homes, “close to one of the biggest crowds” ever has poured into the Royal Darwin Show today to enjoy Friday’s ‘Show Day’.

Thousands flooded into the Show to enjoy the best of the Top End’s agriculture and entertainment, but It was an event that almost slipped away from the community after the NT’s own Covid-19 outbreak lockdown threatened to axe the Show for the second year running.

While half the country bunkers down in lockdowns, ‘close to one of the biggest crowds’ ever has poured into the Royal Darwin Show on Friday to enjoy ‘People’s Day’. Pictures (above and below): Che Chorley

The annual Royal Darwin Show is back on again after a year's hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. Punters have once again flocked through the gates to enjoy the spectacle and indulge in the delights.Picture: Che Chorley

The annual Royal Darwin Show is back on again after a year's hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. Punters have once again flocked through the gates to enjoy the spectacle and indulge in the delights.Picture: Che Chorley

Royal Darwin Show chief executive Cherry Court said despite some uncertainty in the lead up, the Show had been amazingly well attended on its 70th anniversary.

“It’d be close to one of the biggest crowds we’ve ever had on a Friday,” she said.

“It’s been a very big turnout.

“When you have such an unusual year, people make up their own minds about whether they want to come along.”

In stark contrast about 13 million people — half the Australia’s population — are in lockdown around the country with stay-at-home orders in place in Greater Sydney, Greater Melbourne, South Australia, and large parts of regional New South Wales and Victoria.

Ms Court said the strong public turnout and support shown for the Darwin Show meant that organisers were doing something right.

“It’s a great feeling to know that all of our stakeholders and community wanted to participate this year,” she said.

“It means that we’re staying relevant and people keep coming back to the Show for more.”

Ms Court said it’s estimated the 2021 Show would bring an economic benefit of $20 million to Territory.