Perth Royal Show on track for 2021 return

Cancelled last year, the Perth Royal Show is on track to return in 2021, running from 25th September to 2nd October.

While this year’s Brisbane’s Ekka and the Royal Melbourne Show have been cancelled for a second year, tickets for the Perth Royal Show went on sale on the 1st August through Royal Agricultural Society of W.A. (RASWA) ticketing partner Megatix.

Patrons will be required to select a date of attendance, with each day to potentially be subject to an attendance cap, while also being required to provide necessary information if tracing is required.

Advising that every day there will be COVID Marshalls ensuring every area of the Showground is clean and ready for the day and nights activities, RASWA Chief Executive, Peter Cooper has advised that staff will “have their sleeves rolled up and are full steam into making it all happen”.

Welcoming the Show going ahead, Cooper commented “(going ahead) has created a wave of excitement amongst our existing staff, and a number of new staff, who come with fresh ideas and passion to match the overall enthusiasm that comes with creating our states biggest and best event.

“The 2021 Perth Royal Show will have much of the traditional Show favourites including the animals, the variety of food and the best fireworks in town, mixed with some exciting and new activities that we will soon be announcing, plus the exciting news that entry prices for everyone will be 25% less than 2019 prices.

This year’s Show is backed by the Western Australian Government having contributed $4 million as part of its ‘Getting the Show Back on the Road’ initiative, which is being expanded to include agricultural shows and tourism events.

The $4 million support package consists of $2 million to assist with the 25% discount on all ticket entries and COVIDSafe event compliance and another $2 million underwriting facility where the Western Australian Government will meet 50% of any losses up to the value of $2 million. (In practice, should the RASWA loses $4 million from staging the Royal Show, then the state government will meet 50% ($2 million) of the loss).

RASWA President, David Thomas added “we are receiving positive comments and support from the community of Western Australia that it wants the Perth Royal Show to happen in 2021 after missing the event in 2020.

“Putting on an event of this enormity takes a tremendous effort, from organising the animal and food competitions, to managing the entertainment, setting up the many attractions, and working with commercial operators who make this Show the unique Show it is. It can be both challenging and rewarding.”

Cooper concluded “the Perth Royal Show has existed for over 180 years and now occupies a place in the hearts and minds of most Western Australians. Everyone needs this event to happen in 2021 and being 25% more affordable, let’s all celebrate this great event and great state.”

Images: Scenes from past editions of the the Perth Royal Show.