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The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW has revealed remarkable attendance levels for the 2021 Sydney Royal Easter Show, welcoming 800,000 people to the event over its 12 days - becoming the largest event to take place globally since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Held from 1st to 12th April, the Show broke five attendance records since its relocation to Sydney Olympic Park, while successfully delivering a COVIDSafe event with the daily capacity limits dispersing crowds and ultimately creating history through higher mid-week attendance.

RAS General Manager Agriculture and the Show, Murray Wilton, said following an incredibly tough year for all Australians, the Show was an incredible success, commenting “the Show has provided an opportunity for our farmers and Sydneysiders to come together safely and celebrate everything we know and love about rural Australia: farmers, food and family fun.”

Initially capped at 60,000 attendees per day, as of 9th April, NSW Health approved an additional 10,000 general admission ticket holders for its final three days based on the RAS’ success in delivering a COVIDSafe show over its over nine days.

In a statement, released during the Show, welcoming this, Wilton advised "we are delighted to provide more patrons with the opportunity to come to the Show over its last weekend.

"Following the cancellation of the Show in 2020, there is massive interest and affection for the Show, and we want to give as many people as possible, in a COVID safe manner, the opportunity to experience what only the Sydney Royal Easter Show can offer."

The Show’s COVID-safe practices, included 152 cleaning staff and 119 hygiene staff onsite, encouraging patrons to utilise the Show crowd management system to take control of their journey at the Show via the Show app.

Planned at short notice with the event only being given approval to be staged in December last year, the attendance figures - which included ticket holders, agricultural and commercial exhibitors, staff, volunteers and others working at the Show - the attendance figures demonstrated, Wilton explained “this year’s Show has been a major success and has shown the amazing work rural communities are capable of.

“We’re incredibly proud of the competitors and exhibitors for the talent and professionalism they have shown throughout the show period and we hope to see everyone again next year.”

Planned at short notice with the event only being given approval to be staged in December last year, the attendance figures - which included ticket holders, agricultural and commercial exhibitors, staff, volunteers and others working at the Show - the attendance figures demonstrated, Wilton explained “this year’s Show has been a major success and has shown the amazing work rural communities are capable of.

“We’re incredibly proud of the competitors and exhibitors for the talent and professionalism they have shown throughout the show period and we hope to see everyone again next year.”

Among other success, the Big Bush BBQ raised over $30,000 for the 12 local show societies that manned the stand over the Show period while the RAS Foundation, through sales of its popular ‘Ag Bag’, raffle of donated hay and sale of the RAS ribbon rugs, raised $120,000 which will be directed back to regional communities.

The Rural Students’ Café also provided students from around NSW with the opportunity to develop hospitality skills and fundraise. The students worked incredibly hard and sold over 2,800 coffees and teas, 3,000 ice teas and 1,800 tasting plates for their school programs.

In addition, the Show has continued its tradition of providing amazing opportunities and educational experiences for all ages. Little Hands on the Land, a child-sized working farm, welcomed more than 40,000 children through its gates.

Other achievements saw a 20% reduction in the Show’s operating costs by the RAS while, overall, its successful staging is seen as giving confidence to the event’s sector that large events can operate in the COVIDSafe environment.

The realisation of the 2021 Royal Easter Show will be a feature in the next printed Australasian Leisure Management.

Images: An aerial view of the 2021 Royal Easter Show (top, credit RAS), Quayclean staff at the event (middle, credit Quayclean) and rides in Side Show alley (below, credit RAS). 

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