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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 this 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 and Mr. M.A. Frazer appointed as Secretary, at a salary of 52 pounds a year.

The first event held was a Sports Day early in 1901, with 'spectacular events such as an 8 man ladder and hose race, municipal tug-of-war,  wrestling on horseback, tent pegging and highland dancing and piping.' This proved an excellent first venture for the fledgling Committee and they presented the first Newcastle Regional Show on 17th May, 1902.  The Show was opened by Mr. Joseph Wood, Patron of the Association. It was hailed as a ‘splendid success’ by the newspapers of the day. Judging was held in Poultry, Horses, Garden Produce, Flowers, Cookery, Needlework, Wagons & Buggies, Painting, Drawing & Writing, Dairy Produce, Apiculture etc. 19 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 without interruption through to the 1916 Show, which was not held because the grounds were being used as a Military Camp for World War I. Then in 1919 the Show was not held 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 Newcastle Showground was used as an Army Staging Camp during the Second World War and no shows were held during the years 1941 to 1945 inclusive.

Newcastle Regional Showground - 1930 Courtesy of the Newcastle Herald

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 this huge event.

With the support of the public, the Newcastle Regional Show has continued to grow and change every year and in the late 1980's introduced innovations such as street theatre, themed buildings and sitescaping elements. School Excursions were initiated and stages were provided to showcase the talents of our youth.  As we are already into the 21st century the Committee strives to bring to the people of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley all the excitement of the traditional Show as well as new and innovative concepts to meet the changing attitudes and lifestyles of today.

With the support of the public, the Newcastle Regional Show has continued to grow and change every year and we are committed to providing the people of our region with the opportunity to showcase their product, their talent, their skills and their creativity in a comfortable family-friendly environment.

We are proud of our heritage and history and offer our patrons the opportunity to visit a traditional show with good value for money 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 – that’s what it's all about.