Thousands to flock to Sheep and Wool Show

THE Australian Sheep and Wool Show, the world’s largest event of its kind, celebrates twenty-five years in Bendigo this year with crowds numbering tens of thousands expected to attend the showgrounds over the three-day event.

Bringing together the “best of the best” in sheep breeding, alongside food, fashion and fibre displays, yard dog trials and shearing competitions, visitors will also find more than 450 trade sites throughout the precinct.

Sheep and Wool Show CEO Margot Falconer, who plans to retire from her position in September after ten years in the role, said it’s “the most wonderful asset that Bendigo has.”

“It’s really interesting,” she said. “It doesn’t jump to front of mind when people talk about events, but this brings nearly 30,000 people to Bendigo over three days in the middle of winter.

“There’s a lot of stakeholders that make it all happen, a lot of different areas of sheep and wool coming together, that’s why it’s so big.”

Ms Falconer said while every year her team tries to better the previous event, “it costs more and more each year to put it on, (and) as an event organiser you have to jump through so many hoops.”

“But, we love the show and we intend to be here for another 25 years… obviously, with someone younger running it.

“Come early because if you think a (few hours) is enough, it’s not. I know a lot of people say to me, ‘We have to come back because there’s so much going on’.”

The Australian Sheep and Wool Show takes place at the Bendigo Showgrounds from Friday 18 July until Sunday 20 July.

Tickets can be purchased on the Humanitix website.