Ekka attracts 400,000 visitors for the third consecutive year

More than 400,000 people made their way to the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) between 9th and 18th August.

Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) Chief Executive Brendan Christou was thrilled that the community had come out en masse to exceed 400,000 visitrs for the third year in succession, stating "we had the perfect forecast for the full 10 days of show and we can't thank the public enough for their support.

"This really is the people's show, they came out in droves to support it and we're humbled to stage it on their behalf."

Christou said the RNA was honoured to host the Australian of the Year Geoffrey Rush and Young Australian of the Year Marita Cheng on opening day, Brisbane born twins Jessica and Lisa Origliasso from The Veronicas plus world-class performances by the Ten Tenors and Eskimo Joe who take to the stage tonight.

For the first time in Ekka history, families and visitors to this year's show were able to purchase one ticket which gave them entry, food and rides.

Christou added that ticket pre-sales tripled this year compared to the 2011 Ekka, stating "this shows that Ekka fans responded to the great value ticket bundles on offer this year, including one package which saved 50% off food and 30% off entry."

Ekka 2012 visitors were also the first to walk through the newly transformed Royal International Convention Centre (formerly the Industrial Pavilion) which was home to The Royal Queensland Dog Show proudly sponsored by Advance, the Brisbane Markets Agricultural Hall and Horticultural Exhibits.

Ekka 2012 milestones:

• The most popular show bags were Bertie Beetle Blue, Dora the Explorer, Barbie, The Trash Pack, Moshi Monsters Bag, Littlest Pet Shop Bag, Spiderman, Men's Health Magazine, Women's Health Magazine, Girlfriend Magazine, SUPRE, Dolly and Abbott's Village Bakery (which sold out by day 7);
• 47,087 social media followers (including 41,512 on Facebook, 3,505 on Twitter and 2,070 on Instagram). This is more than double than last year;
• 40,000 Ekka iPhone apps downloaded; and
• 180,000+ dagwood dogs sold.

Planning is already underway for the 136th Ekka as Queenslanders restart the countdown. Ekka 2013 will run from 8th to 17th August.

8th August 2012 - 2012 EKKA PROMISES FAMILY SAVINGS 

1st December 2010 - EKKA TRANSFORMATION WINS DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL 

27th August 2009 - PERTH ROYAL SHOW BANS PIGS: EKKA ATTENDANCE DIPS

10th August 2009 - BUSY WEEKEND FOR BRISBANE EKKA