Regatta Grounds a stunning success as Royal Hobart Show venue

Published on 24 October 2023

The Royal Hobart Show returns to the Hobart Regatta Grounds for the second year looking to build on the spectacular numbers from 2022.

The Show returned to the city that bears its name for the first time last year since moving to Glenorchy in 1904.

This year will be the Regatta Ground’s second of a three-year-deal to host the event while the Glenorchy Showgrounds is redeveloped.

Last year, about 25,000 people attended the Show on the public holiday Thursday – the best attendance since 2013.

Royal Agricultural Show of Tasmania chief executive officer Scott Gadd said hosting the Show at the Regatta Grounds opened the event up to more sections of the community.

“We noticed a shift in our normal demographic last year with a lot more families from the inner city and southern suburbs attending compared to previous years,” Mr Gadd said.

“Weather permitting, we are hoping to better last year’s numbers given the increased competitions and entertainment we’ve been able to program onto the site.”

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said it was terrific to see so many people enjoy the Show at the Regatta Grounds.

“The numbers attending the Thursday and Friday were outstanding, and all predictions are it would have been the same on the Saturday if not for poor weather,” Cr Reynolds said.

“We are so fortunate to have open space at the Regatta Grounds so close to the heart of Hobart for everyone to enjoy.

“Attendances are great, but it is worth remembering the Show is a community event with various volunteer committees drawn from our community and rural areas who organise everything from arts and crafts to sheep and cattle competitions.”

And Mr Gadd said this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better.

“The addition of the Goods Shed for the cattle and cat competitions is a real bonus, thanks to Hobart Brewing Company, and we are very grateful for that,” Mr Gadd said.

“It has helped the organisation greatly by having the support of the City of Hobart in relation to both the Regatta Grounds and the City Hall.

“The latter is the perfect venue for our art and craft competitions providing the ideal space to showcase the Artery Art on Show, Youth Art and Student Photography and Creative Craft.

“Creative Craft entries are up 40% this year to over 460 which is partly due to the success of the venue last year.

“We have invested heavily in the entertainment program again this year which is all included in the entry fee and we continue to keep the entry price as low as we can to make it affordable.”

The Royal Hobart Show starts on Wednesday (25 October) with Artery Art on Show at the City of Hobart’s City Hall through to Sunday (29 October), while the Regatta Grounds events will begin on the People’s Day public holiday Thursday (26 October) and finish on Saturday (28 October).

For more information visit https://www.hobartshowground.com.au/royalhobartshow