Showtime Stories: Uncovering 150 Years of EKKA Magic

If you were to walk through Brisbane Showgrounds at Bowen Park on a quiet day, you could be forgiven for thinking that you had just stepped through a time portal to discover a lost world harkening back to the late nineteenth century. A world that reveals impeccably maintained grounds scattered with massive 100 year old fig trees and majestic historic buildings dating back to the early 1900s. Although the Main Arena stands empty and silent, if you listen carefully, you may catch the faint distinctive call of the Ringmaster heralding the unending parade of cattle, horses and livestock whose noise is muted by the deafening roar of the crowd, delighted by the awe-inspiring entertainment  presented in this famous ring. As you cross under the railway line that partitions this sprawling location, you enter a world of garish colours, thunderous music, rasping spruiker voices and the delighted screams of showgoers, that have echoed from the precincts of the EKKA’s historic Sideshow Alley since the late 1800s.

Like Brigadoon, that mythical Scottish village that awakens every 100 years, the EKKA starts to rouse from its annual slumber in mid-July beginning with a frenzied hustle and bustle of  activity, as convoys of trucks containing livestock, produce and equipment begin to arrive; legions of maintenance workers and contractors appear; the resounding  smash and clang of tent pegs being driven into the grounds at Sideshow Alley as the Showies anchor their assortment of rides, game stands and food outlets. The iconic EKKA prepares to awaken for its nine days of celebration - showcasing the pride and achievement of  the great State of Queensland. The call of the Ringmaster rings out  ‘Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, this way, this way – it’s Showtime, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy!!’.

In 2026 Queensland’s iconic EKKA will celebrate its impressive 150 year anniversary.  The EKKA’s success and longevity is directly attributable to the RNA’s dedication and vision of creating an exhibition that celebrates the essence and lives of Queenslanders. The RNA’s commitment to excellence and focus on Queensland agriculture resonates in its mission statement:

to champion agriculture and celebrate its role in the lives of Queenslanders, and the Ekka is the primary platform for this mission. (2)

Each year the EKKA showcases the best of Queensland, attracting more than 21,000 competition entries from woodchop to giant vegetables, 10,000 animals from beef cattle to cats and dogs, world-class live entertainment, award-winning food and wine, carnival rides and showbags, family shopping, educational activities and much more.(4)

My name is Bronwyn Bridgewater and I am a 4th generation member of a travelling show family that has participated in the EKKA for over 100 years. Over the coming months I will be sharing some of the history of the EKKA, specifically focusing on various people and their communities - such as Queensland’s regional agricultural areas who exhibit  and compete showing their competitive skills, produce and livestock; the travelling show community with its carnival thrills and delights and the RNA (Royal National and Agricultural Association of Queensland) with its meticulous planning, exceptional organisation and dedicated commitment. The EKKA represents a tapestry of Queenslanders, of individuals from every walk of life who unite with a common goal - to create an unforgettable experience of celebration for Queenslanders. These three major contributors, vastly different to each other, all combine and collaborate to make the EKKA one of Australia’s most successful and enduring annual events.

I look forward to exploring the generational stories of men, women and children who participate in the EKKA ranging from whip crackers to horse riding competitors. I also intend to share some fascinating stories of  my own family as well as individuals from the travelling Show community.

Bronwyn Bridgwater
2025 Royal Queensland Show (EKKA) Fellow.

Call out for your photographs!

As part of her Royal Queensland Show (EKKA) Fellowship, Bronwyn is calling for stories, photographs, or film footage related to the EKKA. Her research draws on the John Oxley Library and RNA archives to explore how major events—such as drought, the Spanish Influenza, the Great Depression, both World Wars, and more recently COVID-19 and security concerns—have shaped the EKKA and its agricultural, urban, and show communities. If you have memories or materials you’d like to share, please get in touch via qldmemory@slq.qld.gov.au.

Read more blogs about the EKKA.

References

1. Bjorn Bednarek, Ekka 2010, Flickr, uploaded 14 August 2010. https://www.flickr.com/photos/bjornbednarek/ 
2. Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA), About the RNA, Brisbane Showgrounds. https://www.brisbaneshowgrounds.com.au/about/rna/
3. Queensland State Archives, Item ID ITM1430439. https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM1430439
4. Ekka, Official Website, 2025. https://www.ekka.com.au