Epic Royal Show preview kicks off countdown to annual event

Perth Now

4 days ago

The opening of sideshow alley might still be weeks away, but the countdown is officially on — there are just 44 days until the Perth Royal Show returns to Claremont Showground.
Excitement is building for the highly anticipated annual event, with a taste of what to expect on display inside Centenary Pavilion on Wednesday.
Camboon Primary School students got to get amongst the action.
Ten-year-old Astrid Snook said she cannot wait to come back to the showground with her mum when it officially opens to eat sweet food and pat the farm animals.
'I'm definitely excited for more bananas dipped in chocolate and the animals,' she said.
Astrid told The West she has gone to the Royal Show almost every year and won't be stopping anytime soon. Astrid from Camboon Primary School at the Perth Royal Show preview at Claremont Showgrounds. Credit: Ian Munro / The West Australian
'I am going to keep going until I'm an old grandma and bring my kids because it's the best and really amazing,' she said.
Five-year-old Jacob Perry was showing off one of his eight pet cows to the city kids who, unlike him, don't see farm animals every day.
But for Jacob, the animals aren't the exciting part.
'I love going on the rides,' he said.
'Rollercoasters and the swing chairs are my favourite.'
The executive officer of the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia, Robyn Sermon, revealed the upcoming show will feature new attractions, including exclusive rides and after-dark activities.
'To make this not an everyday event, we have locked in some amazing new attractions this year and more value, more variety,' Ms Sermon said.
'For the first time ever, in Perth, we will be welcoming the flying force. They are a Canadian based high diving team that will dive from a platform 25 meters above the arena into a three-meter deep pool. Ella, Mya and Astrid enjoy the rides. Credit: Ian Munro / The West Australian
'They will be doing that three times a day. It will be even more exciting at night, when we literally light them up.
'We will turn the arena into a 360 degree sky theatre, this (will be) the most innovative fireworks we've ever had, and we'll be wrapping the audience in colour, sound and light.
'We're launching a new late-night precinct, called Late Night Woodies, featuring fun, country-inspired music and entertainment, which will start after the fireworks every night.
'We are debuting a brand new ride, the 24-meter Luna Ritz, which has arrived from Europe and will debut in Australia for the first time at this year's Royal Show.'
It has been made possible thanks to a $2.8 million funding boost from the government and an additional $950,000 from Lotterywest.
Agricultural minister Jackie Jarvis said sh is proud to see the Royal Show's agricultural precinct continue to grow in popularity. Perth Royal Show preview at Claremont Showgrounds. Pupils from Camboon Primary School grab their showbags. Credit: Ian Munro / The West Australian
'We know side show alley is popular, we know the show bags are popular, but I could not be prouder that this show continues to go from strength to strength in supporting agriculture,' she said.
'Everything that's linked to agriculture and everything that is great about agriculture in Western Australia, you'll see here at the Perth Royal Show.'
Ms Jarvis hopes to match last years record breaking attendance number of more than 430,000 showgoers
A $600,000 program to support affiliated agricultural shows around the state was also announced on Wednesday in a government first. Annabelle, Nathan and Jacob Perry with a strange looking sheep. Credit: Ian Munro / The West Australian