Royal Darwin Show, Bells Entertainment gears up for 2024 instalment

Show rides are ready to go as Territorians book their tickets for the Royal Darwin Show.

Elwin Bell says the 2024 Royal Darwin Show is shaping to be one of the biggest in the annual event's history. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

For Elwin Bell, this year’s Royal Darwin Show will be extra special as his family celebrates 100 years of entertaining Australian communities, with a long list of rides, games and goodie bags waiting to be enjoyed this week.

From Thursday, Darwin will descend into 72 hours of joy as the 73rd Royal Darwin Show kicks off at the Darwin Showgrounds.

Mr Bell’s family founded Bells Amusement in 1924 and have toured the country for a century, throwing fun-filled events for young and old alike.

Ahead of one of North Australia’s biggest carnivals, Mr Bell said Territorians would not be disappointed with the incredible rides that had been hauled up to the Top End.

The show rides are set to excite visitors. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“This whole show is extra special – you’ve got the Matterhorn, you’ve got the Ferris wheel, the Music Trip, the Hurricane, and the No Limit ride, the world’s most extreme travelling thrill ride and it’s here at the Darwin show,” he said.

“It’s been brought to your very front door, (the kids) are all terrified of it but they all want to ride it and every year there’s somebody who misses out because they’re not quite tall enough.”

Alongside the epic show rides will be the family favourite Yellow Brick Adventure which will occur each day.

For those who would appreciate an audience experience, the Black String Puppet Theatre will also be coming to the show, featuring unique puppet hand carved out of Tasmanian Huon pine trees and towers to an incredible one metre height.

Natalie Bell enjoying the rides. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

At 11am on Friday, the Celebrity Baking Challenge, will be judged by a panel of VIP guests, including the Administrator to the NT Hugh Heggie and NT News Editor Melanie Plane, with local politicians set to go head-to-head against the 2023 defending champion Andrew Toombs.

On Friday afternoon, famous chainsaw sculptor Rob Bast will demonstrate his skill sets, with his beautiful wood sculptures to be auctioned that afternoon.

With each day filled with events, Mr Bell urged newcomers to pace themselves and recommended families “make a day of it”.

“I’d bring my picnic basket and some fruit,” he said.

“Find somewhere shady, have something to eat and keep yourself hydrated.”

The Haunted House awaits Territorians. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Bell revealed workers had put tremendous effort into making the event happen, with some passionate entertainers travelling across the country to entertain.

“It’s a long way and it’s a big country and you’re so lucky to get all this equipment to your local show because it’s hard work,” he said.

“And we don’t get any help from anyone – we are looking at getting some assistance from the government for bringing this entertainment (because) we’ve struggled along all our life for the last 60 years (to) bring stuff to your show.

“And I think it’s about time the government got behind us!”

The Royal Darwin Show will run from Thursday, July 25, to Saturday, July 27.

For tickets, visit https://darwinshow.com.au/

The 2024 Royal Darwin Show is shaping to be one of the biggest in the annual event's history. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Music Trip satisfied the NT News team. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A cute, romantic Ferris wheel has been set up for the show. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Bumper cars are expected to be a big hit. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Tahlia On and Kaliyah Roe-Weetra as the 2024 Royal Darwin Show is shaping to be one of the biggest in the annual event's history. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The terrifying No Limit Ride. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Tahlia On and Kaliyah Roe-Weetra the No Limit ride. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Tatiana Hoffman, Tahlia On and Kaliyah Roe-Weetra tested out – and survived – No Limit. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Teacups will also be available to enjoy. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Originally published as Royal Darwin Show, Bells Entertainment gears up for 2024 instalment