Toowoomba Royal Show organisers thrilled as comeback event cracks 30k ticket mark

The Toowoomba Royal Show has thrilled audiences in its comeback event, with more than 30,000 people pouring through the gates.

Macie Rigney and Olivia Parmiter. Heritage Bank Toowoomba Royal Show 2021.

Organisers have thanked residents for turning out in droves to support the return of the Heritage Bank Toowoomba Royal Show.

The Royal Agricultural Society of Qld is projecting more than 30,000 tickets were sold over the new three-day, Friday to Sunday, show format.

It’s a tremendous result, given the show had been hampered by heavy rain in recent years and the cancellation of the whole event in 2020 due to COVID-19.

RASQ chief executive Damon Phillips said at one point there was a person walking through the gates every two seconds.

“There was one stage on Friday morning, between 10am and 11am, where 1600 people came through the gates,” he said.

“Overall, we’re very pleased with the result — people have gotten out and supported us, people are keen to come out to a show.

“It’s been pleasing, not just with the numbers but the attitude — people were happy to abide by the COVID protocols and were happy and smiling.”

Rain hampered attendances on Saturday afternoon, but it had thankfully cleared by the time Sunday rolled around to ensure families got one last taste of the show for 2021.

While it was hard to pick a highlight from the three days, Mr Phillips said he had been delighted to see more young people get involved in agricultural activities.

“A couple of highlights included the involvement of kids in the ag programs, like what Costa (Georgiadis) and Westy (Paul West) ran — that’s part of our charter, so we’re proud of that,” he said.

“The dog high jumping was great and everyone just got into it when they came on.

“The Spirits of the Red Sands (indigenous dance group) were fantastic, they had big crowds.

“The laser light shows were also special — it was a really great crowd on Friday night.”

Mr Phillips said the RASQ was now financially well placed to build on the show for next year, thanks in no small part to external support from the Toowoomba Regional Council and Heritage Bank.

Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio praised the support shown by residents, saying it reinforced the importance of the showgrounds.

“As far as I’m concerned, this weekend’s attendance told a story about how important these showgrounds are to this community,” he said.

“We need to free things up so the showgrounds can become a real entertainment precinct — I’ve been in touch with the new minister in the hopes that we can do that.”