The annual Luddenham Show is back for another year on the 2nd and 3rd of March, with thousands expected to attend the biggest event on the Luddenham Calendar. The 118th edition of the “Country Show” has a range of entertainment for the whole family, with organisers expecting to build on the record crowds in attendance last year.
Saturday morning kicks off with the traditional poet’s breakfast; with other Luddenham favourites throughout the day including the cattle show, the dog high jump, live reptiles show and line dancing. With the help of generous sponsors, a prize pool of over $6,000 has attracted bull riders from across the state for a hot contest on Saturday night. Once the rush of the bull ride has concluded, crowds can enjoy live music with Ronnie Judo and the Whiskey Sodas, and the Mad Hatters performing until late with a quick intermission for the famous Foti Fireworks.
Sunday presents the opportunity for crowds to get involved with whip cracking, ice cream eating and Lego building competitions for the family to enjoy. For those who prefer to sit and watch, the demolition derby, sheep dog trials and wood chopping competitions will be held on Sunday with a massive $4,000 up for grabs in the wood chopping. Fresh from the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Ingrid Mae will grace the Luddenham stage for the first time, performing her country music hits into the late afternoon.
The Trackskills V8 Utes will be performing five shows throughout the weekend, defying gravity with their daredevil tricks dazzling the arena. The stage is spoilt for entertainment with magic shows, dancers, a bush balladeer and the Fizzics science show. The new kid’s entertainment hub will be launched this year with a ball pit, balloon making and circus games for kids of all ages to participate in. Side show alley is back, as well as the horse and poultry competitions with a new cow milking demonstration occurring on both days in the cattle pavilion.
The pavilion competitions are free to enter with categories for art, craft, photography, cooking, produce, flowers, scarecrows and of course Lego. All entries will be displayed throughout the weekend, with an impressive range of prizes including cash, vouchers and prize packs donated by their sponsors. Full details can be found on their website, Facebook, or Instagram pages.
Luddenham Showground can be found on the corner of Park Road and Campbell Street. It is one of only three grounds in the state still wholly owned by the community. The annual show raises much needed funds for the upkeep of the facilities, as well as next year’s show. Luddenham A.H & I Society boasts a proud history dating back to 1891, when it was reported in the papers of the time – “Luddenham may fairly lay claim to having the best first show ever held in the colony!” This year’s committee, many of whose forebears were among the first organisers, are determined to live up to that high standard.
Further information can be found on their website at www.luddenhamshow.com.au or on the
Luddenham Show Facebook and Instagram pages.