Brisbane’s Ekka 2025 has once again reaffirmed its role as a thriving showcase of Queensland’s agricultural innovation and heritage.
Over nine days (August 9 to 17), the Royal Queensland Show attracted the biggest crowds in almost 20 years, with more than 425,000 attendees.
RNA chief executive Brendan Christou said this year’s success was testament to the enduring love Queenslanders had for the Ekka.
“(The) Ekka is more than just a show, it is a reunion of city and country, a celebration of resilience and a showcase of Queensland’s finest,’’ he said.
“We are very grateful to every Queenslander who came through the gates and made this the most successful Ekka since 2008.
“The community showed up in droves to celebrate what makes Queensland truly special; we saw smiles, laughter and a genuine sense of pride.
“We can’t wait to welcome you back next year to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the show.”
Mr Christou said visitors enjoyed the traditional and unique experiences such as the competitions, live entertainment including the night show and fireworks, animals, rides and showbags, as well as the nation’s finest food and wine.
“Our competitions continued to attract interest locally and nationally with entry numbers up by 20 to 30 per cent in several of the 46 competitions, with more than 21,000 entries in total,” he said.
“The Ekka competitions showcase the very best of Queensland and visitors were amazed by award-winning entries and exhibitors in cookery, creative arts, quilt making, blacksmithing, woodchopping, stud beef, poultry, fleece breeds, canine, cats, horse and showjumping.”
Young participants also shone through the Youth in Agriculture competition. High school groups showcased regional produce in elaborate displays, reinforcing the important role of agriculture in schools and community learning.
This emphasis on educational outreach links into Ekka’s broader mission as “Queensland’s largest classroom,“ offering engaging, curriculum-aligned activities—from cheese making to gardening, all woven into the show’s programming
As always, the Ekka shone as a vibrant platform for Queensland’s agricultural industry. It blended immersive education, live demonstrations, youth involvement and competition success.
And, importantly, with strong turnout and diverse programming, the show reinforced the vital connection between city, country and the future of farming.
