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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Newcastle Regional Show - early 1900's (courtesy of the Newcastle Herald)

In 1899 a committee was formed to look at the possibility of conducting an 'annual show' in Newcastle.  Those involved in the enterprise were all prominent businessmen, including the then Mayor of Newcastle, Mr. W. Cann.  Dr. Joseph Beeston was appointed president of the newly formed Newcastle and District Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Association with Mr. M.A. Frazer  as secretary, at a salary of 52 pounds a year.

 

The first event, a Sports Day, was held early in 1901. With 'spectacular events such as an eight man ladder and hose race, municipal tug-of-war, wrestling on horseback, tent pegging and highland dancing and piping,' it proved an excellent first venture for the fledgling committee. The  first Newcastle Regional Show was held on 17th May, 1902.  The Show was opened by Mr. Joseph Wood, Patron of the Association and the newspapers of the day hailed it as a 'splendid success'. Judging was held in Poultry, Horses, Garden Produce, Flowers, Cookery, Needlework, Wagons & Buggies, Painting, Drawing & Writing, Dairy Produce, Apiculture. There were nineteen sections in all.

 

Store Butter Cart travelling to Newcastle Regional Show - 1939 (left Mr J Write, right Norm Barrett) Couresty of the Newcastle Herald

The Annual Newcastle Regional Show continued largely without interruption. However, the 1916 Show was not held because the grounds were needed as a Military Camp for World War I. There was another gap in 1919 due to the influenza epidemic which was raging round the world at the time.  Annual Shows continued to be held through the Great Depression years, but as Newcastle Showground was used as an Army Staging Camp during the Second World War no shows were held during the years 1941 to 1945 inclusive.

Newcastle Regional Showground - 1930 Courtesy of the Newcastle Herald

In the late 1980's innovations such as street theatre, themed buildings and sitescaping elements were introduced, school excursions were initiated and stages provided to showcase the talents of our youth.

 

With the support of the community, the Newcastle Regional Show continues to grow and change year to year. We maintain a strong commitment to provide the people of our region with the opportunity to showcase their product, their talent, their skills and their creativity in a safe and comfortable family-friendly environment.

Looking ahead into this 21st century the Committee will strive to bring to the people of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley all the excitement of a traditional Show as well as relevant and innovative concepts to meet the changing attitudes and lifestyles of  our modern society.

The backbone of the Newcastle Regional Show, from 1899 to the present day, remains its volunteer Committee members and volunteer workers. Without the assistance of this dedicated group of men and women from all walks of life, giving so freely of their valuable time to help organise the Show, it would not be financially viable to run such a huge event.

We are proud of our heritage and offer our patrons the opportunity to visit a traditional show featuring animal displays and competitions, agricultural exhibits, exceptional pavilion displays, exciting ring entertainment, innovative product stalls, interactive stage performers and the thrill of sideshow alley. 

Most of all, we want you to enjoy your visit to the Show and have FUN!