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First held in 1823, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is an annual show held in Sydney, Australia over two weeks around the Easter period. It comprises an agricultural show, an amusement park and a fair and combines the elements of each, showcasing the judging of livestock and produce. The Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales is responsible for the event. Queen Victoria awarded the society and its show the right to use the word "Royal" in its name.
The first purpose of the show is specifically to encourage agriculture. Although other aspects of the show have developed including competitions, entertainment and commerce, the display of the products of rural industry remain of major importance.
The Show is a celebration of Australian culture, from rural traditions to modern day lifestyles.
Every Easter, the country and city join together at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, for twelve days of agricultural competitions, animal experiences, live entertainment, carnival fun, shopping and much more. Attendance levels have continued to grow year by year.
The Show has many competitions, including arts and crafts, photography and cookery, as well as tests of strength and skill such as wood chopping. The show also has shopping, restaurants, commercial stands, such as a showbag pavilion and exhibits, a horticultural display, and stage and arena shows. It also even hosts a breed based conformation dog show and cat show, which are nationally accredited.
The Sydney Royal Easter Show is the largest ticketed event held in Australia and one of the largest in the world.
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On a personal note, when my daughter was quite young, I decided that I hated the crowds and the stall rip offs so much that I would not go again. And I never did, but when she was older she went with her brothers. They came back each time with show bags loaded with chocolate and lollies.
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Here are some past pics of the RES . . .
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The Clyde Engineering Pavilion at the Royal Easter Show, circa 1900
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Prize winners at the Royal Easter Show, c1920s.
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Showbags, 1938
The Royal Easter Show has been providing sugar highs since the 1930s. Leslie, Kevin, Nora and Marie Fisher hold their showbags - Minties, Mickey Mouse and Cadbury.
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Easter Parade, George Street, 1957
Siegfried Ziegler and his 2 small daughters Sonja (on the bonnet, with the best view) and Eva gather on George Street in front of Sydney Town Hall to watch the Easter parade go past on Park Street.
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Woodchopping, 1939
A lot has changed since 1939, but woodchopping remains a staple of the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
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Jimmy Sharman’s Boxing Troupe, 1939
Members of Jimmy Sharman's boxing troupe stand on a platform above showgoers in Sideshow Alley at the Royal Easter Show.
Note the banner for 'The Girl in the Goldfish Bowl' in the background.
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Grand Parade, 1952
Pull up a seat in the Members Stand to watch the Grand Parade at the 1952 Royal Easter Show.
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Crowds and pavilions, Royal Easter Show 1930s
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Lost children’s tent, 1938
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Side-show personalities at the show, 1932
Acts include Jimmy Sharman's Troupe of Boxers and Wrestlers; the Ape Man; Zelda la Rose, the Tattooed Lady; the Fat Boy and Girl, natives of the USA; and Dave Meekin with his troupe of lions.
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Royal Easter Show, Homebush1998
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Children with showbags
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Mothers with children with showbags
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Showbags: from free to big business
Baked beans, a cake of soap and some disinfectant. That is what a trip to the showbag pavilion 50 years ago might have offered. And chances are you wouldn't have forked out a cent.
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Three well-dressed young women at the RES 1934
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RES 1934
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Children's Day, free milk straight from the cow! Royal Easter Show, 1930s
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RES 1936
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