Royal Geelong Show straps in for 170th year

A STAPLE on the Geelong community calendar is just a  away, with the 170th edition of the Royal Geelong Show taking over the Geelong Showgrounds for four straight days.

Show organisers and Royal Geelong Agricultural and Pastoral Society president Tom McCann say this year’s show, being held from October 17–20, will be a special one as the organisation celebrates its 170th year.

“We get excited every year for the Royal Geelong Show, we hope every year gets better and better, and the crowds get better and better,” Mr McCann said.

“We’re a different show in that we try to have a big agricultural side to it and keep that regional aspect to it.

“The 170-year milestone is a big drawcard for this year as well and we can’t wait to welcome [people] back to the showgrounds.”

The Royal Geelong Agricultural and Pastoral Society has 56 volunteer committee of management members and over 100 co-opted members that contribute to sub-committees and help out at the show.

The volunteers make the show possible each year and assist the 90 stallholders that will attend this year’s event.

Among the likely favourites this year are an array of carnival rides, special demonstrations of old fashioned agricultural machinery, and a selection of animals ranging from cattle to sheep and horses.

“Geelong always puts on a big crowd; it’s a great family day out, particularly on the Friday and Saturday,” Mr McCann said.

“Following the conclusion of this weekend, all attention then turns to 2025’s event, which is a testament to just how much planning and work goes into the show each year.”

The fireworks also return this year and will take place at 8.45pm on both Friday and Saturday.

All tickets can be bought online at royalgeelongshow.org.au/buy-tickets or at the gate. Tickets are discounted for guests attending the show on ‘Jack’s Day’ on Thursday, October 17, while all children under 15 years old get free entry.

About 100,000 people are expected to attend the show over the four days.