It’s that time of year again friends. March. January took forever and February felt like it would never end but we finally made it. The dawn of a new season, a new month, and perhaps a new you (it’s never too late for resolutions) brings with it Newcastle’s favourite event – The Newcastle Show.
Now dear reader you may think that we here at Newcastle Live are taking a tongue in cheek approach to the whole thing, and perhaps we are. But… nevertheless, in the spirit of what was once a public holiday and a day off school, here is our guide to the Newcastle Show – the tourist edition. We’ve put together our top tips for out of towners who happen to stumble across the Newcastle Show.
It will rain. We promise.
Yep. Even if the forecast says clear skies as far as you can see, whoever controls the weather knows that this weekend is show weekend, and therefore the law states it must rain. Going to the show in the rain is more than fine, it’s just about being a little prepared. And by prepared we mean mentally prepared not physically. There’s grass, there’s mud, there’s lots of walking and it’s a big old day for everyone involved.
Don’t take your own snacks
Ok hear us out… sure taking your own snacks might be an economical solution to what will ultimately be a very expensive day. But we all know, just like Ron Weasley on his first train trip to Hogwarts, those roast beef sandwiches just can’t compete with the assortments of deep fried deliciousness that awaits. Pluto pups, hot chips and burgers, will be screaming your name from every corner of the Showgrounds, so just give in to your impulses and embrace the show day diet.
There’s more than just showbags and rides to occupy your attention
This one might just be a rumour but we’re not quite sure. Apparently at its heart, the Newcastle Show is also a big agricultural hoo-har. There’s a petting zoo, cows walking around in circles lusting for likes, and horses being impressive. It’s also a chance for you to get up close and personal to animals who would normally run away from you in the wild which is an added bonus. The smell of hay not your thing? No worries! There’s also a demolition derby, reptile encounters, and wood chopping. Competitive wood chopping that is.
Don’t deny yourself anything
Showbags, rides, snacks, a giant blowup hammer, one more attempt down sideshow alley? You see where we’re going with this right? The Newcastle show, or any show for that matter, is all about having a day of excess. Sometimes it’s ok to order a family meal and eat it all to yourself. On show day, it’s not just ok, it’s required. Don’t force yourself to choose between two showbags, (because you WILL get a showbag) make like that taco commercial and why not have both.
Last but not least, go to the show
As a tourist you might hear whispers from locals about the show. Waste of time, waste of money etc. BUT that’s just because they’ve been. They had their time and they bloody well loved it. And you will too. We all have memories of going to the show and once we all wised up to the fact that the rain was not a coincidence, all of those memories are pretty fond ones. So if you’re a tourist, especially one looking to move to Newcastle one day (c’mon we were all thinking it) this is your first step towards a rite of passage to becoming a fully fledged Novocastrian.
To find out more information and plan your day at the Newcastle Show visit: https://newcastleshow.com.au/
