After two years of cancellations organisers look to a bumper Brisbane Ekka

Busy with preparations for its first staging since 2019, the organisers of the Brisbane Ekka are expecting a return of visitors from both Queensland and interstate.

Looking forward to the Ekka's return, Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) Chief Executive, Brendan Christou today advised "with borders now open across the nation, we are looking forward to strong interstate entry numbers as well," he said.

"After two years without an Ekka, we can't wait to reunite the country and city at the state's biggest and most loved event.

"Since 1876, more than 33 million people have come together to celebrate what makes this state great.

"The Ekka's rich traditions form the heart of the show in a true celebration of agriculture.

"Show visitors will enjoy all their traditional and unique show favourites, including animals, competitions, rides, showbags, food, entertainment, music and fireworks.

"Plus there will be some exciting additions announced in the coming weeks."

With Covid infections still in the thousands, Christou told the ABC “public health and safety is our number one priority.

“We maintain very high standards of hygiene and have comprehensive cleaning measures in place across the showgrounds.

“There are more than 300 hand washing basins and hand sanitising stations throughout the showgrounds.

“We have more than 20 hectares of amazing open space for show visitors to wander around and enjoy.”

The Ekka has been held every year since 1876, except for 1919 during the Spanish flu pandemic, 1942 when the grounds were used as a Second World War staging depot, and 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first royal show was held in 1921 when the prefix was granted under the warrant of King George V.

The Ekka/Royal Queensland Show will run from 6th to 14th August.