RNA expects 100,000 to attend Ekka’s opening weekend

The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) is expecting that more than 100,000 people will descend on Brisbane Showgrounds to celebrate Ekka’s first weekend.

With the gates opening as of this morning (Saturday), RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said pre-pandemic crowds were expected across the nine days of the annual show, with about 400,000 people set to turn out.

Christou advised “we’ve sold over 120,000 tickets already. So it’s shaping up to be a great show.

“Last year was our comeback Ekka and it was the first one after Covid. I think there was still a bit of nervousness in the community (but) this year is looking great.”

With Brisbane experiencing spring-like temperatures, RNA President, David Thomas noted “there's a great vibe around the show this year, I think everyone wants to get out and have a great time.

"Luckily, Mother Nature's playing very fine with us (with) the weather as well."

While familiar attractions are returning for the annual event one of the highlights of the 2023 is expected to be The Joker in Sideshow Alley.

New to the Ekka, the ride takes guests through as it reaches 25 metres into the air.

Joker manager Adam Baldacchino said the ride would have people coming back for more telling Brisbane’s The Courier-Mail “it offers a totally unique and different sensation that’s ever been offered in a travelling amusement ride in the country.”

Other ride highlights will include the family friendly Beach Party, Enchanted Circus and Rock Star along with the Freestyle spinning gondola, The Beast (the largest travelling ride in the Southern Hemisphere), Spook Castle and the Crown Ferris Wheel.

Images: The Joker is expected to be one of the highlights in Sideshow Alley (top) and the Ekka at night (below). Credit: RNA.