Preview of 2023 Heritage Bank Toowoomba Royal Show event, showbag, entertainment guide
Roll up, roll up because the 2023 Heritage Bank Toowoomba Royal Show is officially in town. Here’s everything you need to know including an exclusive guide to the top showbags on offer.
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With just days to go until the gates to Toowoomba’s biggest show open, here’s everything you need to know about the 2023 Heritage Bank Toowoomba Royal Show.
First established in 1860, this year will mark the 158th event of its kind, with the state’s oldest show only failing to continue in the midst of World War II and Covid-19.
Showbags guide
Undoubtedly a crowd favourite every year is the showbag pavilion with more than 100 options available this year.
Now we can exclusively reveal the 2023 showbag guide and hottest picks.
Showbags Australia general manager Belinda Whitby said the sour lolly bags were some of the bestsellers, with the Warheads, Sour Blast and Brain Licker available this year.
The showbags expert said the ultimate family favourite Bertie Beetle had not waned in popularity for the bargain price of $5 a bag.
“Bertie Beetle is 60 years old this year,” Ms Whitby said.
“About 120 different showbags will be available at the show.”
Ms Whitby said the Army, Wild West, Pokemon and Sonic the Hedgehog bags were great choices for the boys, while Mermaid, Pusheen and Bubble Tea were usually high on the list for girls.
A selection of bags will also be available at the show for the younger kids with Paw Patrol and Cocomelon proving to be among the most popular options.
When it comes to securing bags and avoiding the queues, Ms Whitby offered a simple tip for showgoers to “get in early”.
Event guide
The Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland chief executive officer Damon Phillips said he was expecting a crowd of about 30,000 this year – a similar attendance number to last year.
Excited to officially announce the 2023 line-up, Mr Phillips said show-goers could expect many surprises and “never before seen” acts in Toowoomba.
This includes 100 swarming drones which will fill the skies every night to present a synchronised light show.
Another new edition will be the Great Australian Muster, featuring country singer Beccy Cole along with bush poetry, dog jumping, outback riding and more activities.
“It’s all woven together as part of a bigger story,” Mr Phillips said.
“(The drone) show will be exceptional and has only been performed in Queensland once so this will be a first for everyone.”
Showstopping favourites will also return this year including the Eroni’s Circus, Bluey and Bingo Live stage performance, jetpack stunt show and of course – Sideshow Alley.
Mr Phillips said the roads leading to Sideshow Alley had been resurfaced this year after organisers received feedback about uneven gravel roads.
Focused on the agriculture sector and educating others about where our food comes from, show will also feature an animal nursery, long lunch to connect farmers with young people and a popular program delivered by television presenter Costa Georgiadis.
“We are one of the only two royal shows in Queensland and the show scene was really started in Toowoomba as ours is the oldest society show,” Mr Phillips said.
“We’re really proud of that history and this unique event really does combine aspects from different types of events all into one.
“Our focus remains on agriculture and educating people about where their food comes from.”
Returning to its Thursday to Saturday format, the three-day show will run from March 30 to April 1.
Gates will open from 1pm on Thursday.
Tickets
Tickets are available at the door but the public are encouraged to purchase them online to avoid delays.
For more information visit toowoombashow.com.au
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