Ekka ignites to bring in crowds of more than 400,000

With crowd numbers of more than 400,000, the 2013 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) closed on Saturday night (17th August) in spectacular fashion with the Ekka IgNites 360 presented by B105 erupting in full throttle mode to draw final Ekka-goers in one last time.

Once again the Ekka has been successful in bringing together the community to experience the best of what Queensland producers, farmers and exhibitors have to offer.

Both the traditional and contemporary aspects proved to be highly popular this year, with 184,465 people visiting the RACQ Animal Nursery and more than 133,000 iconic Ekka Strawberry Sundaes devoured.

RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said there had certainly been more Ekka than ever this year, stating "the RNA has been thrilled with the response the Queensland community has given to all the new aspects of the Show, especially the new night time program which brought together the best elements of the country and the city for all to enjoy.

"On behalf of the RNA, we want to thank Ekka-goers for embracing the atmosphere of Queensland's largest event and thank everyone involved for their continuous efforts and contributions made."

For the first time, visitors to the 2013 Ekka were able to experience the Royal International Convention Centre which housed the Fashion and Fine Food Pavilion upstairs and the Agricultural and Dog Pavilions downstairs.

Christou said feedback regarding the improvements made around the Brisbane Showgrounds has been very positive, adding "we've designed a modern environment for the people of Brisbane to enjoy, giving them somewhere to relax and unwind amongst the Ekka hustle and bustle."

With the countdown to Ekka 2014 already underway, the RNA announced this morning that next year's show would start one day later running from Friday 8th August to Sunday 17th August meaning the event will, for the first time, run across two weekends.

The change was made in response to visitor feedback and communication with stakeholders, making the Ekka more accessible to visitors, providing families and those who work with two full weekends to enjoy all aspects of the show.

Having previously run from Thursday to Saturday, the new start date means Queenslanders and visitors will have more opportunity than ever before to experience the magic of the Ekka over two full weekends.

Christou concluded "the change will make the Ekka more accessible to visitors, providing families and those who work with two full weekends to enjoy all aspects of the show.

"It also means that the much-loved night time entertainment program at Ekka 2014 will, for the first time, run for all 10 days of show commencing on the very first night.

"It will also allow us to plan for an exciting Main Arena act on that final Sunday to draw the crowds in."

25th July 2013 - NEW NIGHT SHOW AND FACILITIES FOR 2013 EKKA