2021 Royal Hobart Show to proceed

The Royal Hobart Show will proceed this week, starting on Thursday this week as a result of the three-day lockdown in southern Tasmania.

Set to celebrate 200 years of agricultural displays in Hobart, a quarantine breach and subsequent sudden lockdown hasn’t stopped the Show from going ahead, but logistical issues have seen the first day of the Show (Wednesday 20th October) dropped.

Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) Chief Executive, Scott Gadd advised this afternoon that he was “disappointed” that Wednesday was cancelled, but was glad sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday would go ahead.

Gadd advised “Wednesday’s traditionally our schools day but unfortunately we need that extra day to get set up.”

The snap lockdown had caused the RAST team and exhibitors put preparations at the Hobart Showground in Glenorchy on hold over the weekend.

Nonetheless, with the Show to proceed from Thursday 21st October to Saturday 23rd October, Gadd, has promised a “fantastic Show”, stating “200 years of agricultural exhibiting in Hobart is an Australian first, and we’re going to make it a memorable occasion for everyone.

“Over a span of two centuries the Show has been part of Hobart’s social fabric, through good times and difficult times, and while the last 18 months have been challenging for all Australians, the Royal Hobart Show remains an enduring part of what it is to live in Tasmania.”

With Show exhibitors to begin the process of bumping-in tomorrow, Gadd added “I’d like to thank all our volunteers, contractors and staff who have committed to make this happen, the public servants who worked throughout the weekend to enable the Covid situation to be effectively managed; and those members of the public who intend to support our Show this year.”

Showgoers who had booked a session on Wednesday will be refunded, and can book another session if they wish on the three remaining days of the Show.

The Royal Hobart Show 200th birthday event is being staged after agricultural shows in Launceston, Burnie, Brighton and Circular Head were cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.