RNA Corporate: Historic hip pocket savings signal cheapest Ekka in years

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Historic hip pocket savings signal cheapest Ekka in years

19.07.2012

For the first time in Ekka history, families and visitors to this year's Ekka will enjoy unprecedented savings with a range of new ticket bundles available including one package which saves 50% off food and 30% off entry, offering the cheapest show in years for families coping with cost of living pressures.

While the Ekka remains the most affordable of all the major Royal Shows in Australia, the RNA has introduced several historic packages aimed at saving the hip pocket and ensuring families can experience a day at the Ekka for as little as $8 an hour*

For the first time ever, families will be able to purchase the one ticket, for a limited time only, which gives them entry, food and rides.

The Ultimate Family Bundle package offers a total of 30% in savings and costs $145. It offers entry to the show for 2 adults and two children (30% saving) plus four main meals and four soft drinks (50% saving) and a $60 Ekka ride card. The items in this package normally would cost more than $200.

For families wanting to purchase an entry ticket alone - they can also save 30% with the Family A Ticket priced at $62 - a saving of $22.

Speaking at the official launch of the 2012 Ekka in Brisbane this morning, RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said cost of living pressures meant every dollar counts for families who should be able to experience the magic of Ekka on any budget.

"These packages mean families can come to the show knowing their budget for Ekka is worked out well before they come through the gates,'' he said.

"That's so important as it provides peace of mind for parents budgeting and it also means they can experience a great day out enjoying a cross-section of the show including their entry, a main meal for the whole family plus rides for everyone to enjoy.

"More than 70 per cent of the show is dedicated to free activities and entertainment, the Ekka is one of the most affordable events in the nation.

"On average, a visitor to Ekka spends seven hours at the show, which equates to about $3.50** an hour with no need to spend more, as we encourage people to bring their own food and drinks and enjoy lunch and dinner in our chill out zones."

Mr Christou said for 135 years, families have been coming to the show creating inter-generational memories that last a lifetime.

"Regardless of income, everyone should be able to attend and we believe our prices mean everyone can be a part of this amazing event."

A celebration of all things Queensland, the 2012 Ekka features a spectacular line-up of attractions and free entertainment.

This includes two huge nights of world-class performances by Eskimo Joe and The Ten Tenors; a foodies heaven with some of the nation's finest food and wine on offer; Australian first technology; thrilling new rides; about 23,000 competition entries; plus an amazing 10,000 animals.

This year Ekka visitors will also enjoy a number of firsts including the chance to walk through the newly transformed Royal International Convention Centre (formerly the Industrial Pavilion) which will house the Ekka's largest competition, The Royal Queensland Dog Show, together with the Agricultural Hall and Horticultural Exhibits.

The ever-popular night time program will be bigger and better than ever and feature some great new acts such as The Crack-up Sisters as well as the fireworks display which is twice as long and twice as spectacular.

For the first time Ekka fans will also be able to build and customise their own fireworks display with a new interactive app.

Mr Christou said more than 400,000 visitors were expected to attend Queensland's biggest and most-loved event.

"I encourage all Ekka visitors to jump online, look at the suggested itineraries, and plan their day so that they can make the most of the hundreds of free entertainment options and experiences on offer during the 10-days of show," Mr Christou said.

The discounted ticket packages including the Ultimate Family Bundle are available for a strictly limited time and can be purchased through the Ekka website until July 27. Other ride packages are available up until Ekka eve or throughout the show, further details available online.

The Ekka runs from August 9-18, 2012 at the RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane. For more information, including information on ticketing, transport, rides, showbags, and competitions visit www.ekka.com.au.

2012 EKKA HIGHLIGHTS

• Fireworks with twice the bang: The nightly RACQ Fireworks Spectacular will be the perfect finish to any day with twice the bang, twice the length and twice the sight for Ekka visitors to enjoy. The 2012 Ekka IgNites program, presented by B105, features all the favourites including the amazing 27-time national rodeo titleholder Frank Green plus great new acts such as The CrackUp Sisters and a mascot race.

• The Rock Star Ride: The newest ride to hit the Ekka-The Rock Star-will be a sight to see. It features a 25 metre high giant guitar which swings from side to side, lights up and changes colours and patterns.

• Eskimo Joe and The Ten Tenors: The 2012 Triple M Concert Series features an amazing line-up including alternative Australian rock band Eskimo Joe and classically trained The Ten Tenors. Kicking off with the operatic ensemble on August 12 and wrapping up the show with the internationally renowned Eskimo Joe on August 18, this year's concerts should not be missed.

• Suncorp Celebrity Cricket Match: Ekka 2012 will be sent off in true Queensland style as five cricketing greats, including Adam Gilchrist and Glenn McGrath, don their whites and take to the field at 4.30pm on August 18. Ekka visitors have the opportunity to play alongside and meet and greet their sporting icons in this fun activity for the whole family.

• dirtgirl: dirtgirl is a gumboot-wearing girl who grows awesome tomatoes, knows cloud names and drives a big orange tractor. dirtgirlworld features a line-up of much loved characters who live sustainably and in tune with nature-following the seasons, caring for their gardens and friends, building what they need from what they find and conserving resources. They do all of this while also taking the time out to daydream, gaze at the stars and find wild places. The dirtgirl musical show, Eco-Factor, explores the natural world and invites the audience to 'go get grubby' in the big world outside. Located in the Commonwealth Bank Auditorium twice daily, this brand new show is filled with lots of music from the favourite rating television series plus everything kids need to know about being eco-friendly. Once you've seen the show, drop by the dirtgirl Growing Green Activity Centre located in the Ekka Chill Out Zone, proudly sponsored by Grinders Coffee, to learn how to grow your own herbs. The best part is-participants will even get to take their new herb pot plant home.

• Royal Queensland Steakhouse: The Ekka's only fine dining restaurant, the Royal Queensland Steakhouse, has raised the bar for 2012. Featuring a menu filled with Australia's best steak, gold medal winning beef and lamb, diners will also be given the opportunity to have their steak carved to their preference at their dining table.

• Shane St James-Australia's Own Hypnotist: Shane is luckier than most comedians; he doesn't need script writers to help coax laughter out of the audience, he simply allows the volunteers to act out their hilarious antics without the usual inhibitions. Shane says there's nothing funnier than seeing your friends on stage doing crazy things. When you see your football mate doing a ballet dance through the audience or imitating Madonna, you will split your sides laughing.

• The CrackUp Sisters: Dynamic duo S.T. Ruth (better known as Struth) and Little B-Ute (formally known as Betty Angela Ursula Trudy Elvis Doug Ruth) are heading back to the Ekka for another whip cracking year of entertainment. The sisters, along with their car Matilda, will perform hilarious pranks and stunts on the Heritage Bank Community Stage and during the night time entertainment program.

• The BrickMan: The Southern Hemisphere's only LEGO certified professional is heading to Ekka 2012 and bringing a 5.76 metre tall rocket. Made from approximately 120,000 LEGO bricks and valued at $25,000, the Saturn V Rocket should not be missed.

• The Garden Platform: Green thumbs are being treated at this year's Ekka with the introduction of a brand new stage dedicated to encouraging involvement in all things horticultural. Share tips with some of Queensland's biggest gardening enthusiasts on The Garden Platform including ABC Gardening Australia presenter Jerry Coleby-Williams, florist Phoebe Stephens and 4BC radio's Clair Levander.

• Woodchop: With $65,000 in prize money up for grabs, Woodchop is one of the Ekka's most spectacular competitions and remains a crowd pleaser in every respect. Don't miss all the action.

• Commonwealth Bank Cotton and Wool Parades: As one of the Ekka's most iconic traditions the Commonwealth Bank Cotton and Wool Parades are a must see at this year's show. Presented in the 80s and 90s to massive crowds, the Commonwealth Bank Cotton and Wool Parades thrilled audiences and firmly entrenched them as one of the top experiences at the Ekka.

• Showbags: Don't miss out on your showbag at this year's Ekka with 335 varieties on offer. 2012 brings 66 brand new bags to the table leaving you stretched to choose just one to take home. Housed in Streets Sideshow Alley, the Triple M Showbag Pavilion is a great place to stop after the dodgem cars.

• Animals: Whether you're a dog person, a cat person or even a duck person, there's an animal around every Ekka corner waiting to steal the hearts of visitors. Kids will love Animal Boulevard from the Little Miracles Newborn Corner to the Horse Breeds Expo. There's fun for the whole family at the Dairy Farmers Milking Barn while Thoroughbred Day never ceases to amaze.

• Celebration of the best of the best: The Ekka is unique in bringing hundreds of competitions and 23,000 entries together to celebrate and showcase the best of the best. There's always Grand Champions being crowned around the grounds so consult your daily program to catch the blue ribbon being awarded.

(*- Based on the average time families spend at the Ekka each year - 7.5 hours and entry price for 2 adults, 2 children. ** - based on the average time an individual spends at the Ekka - 7.5 hours for a single entry ticket.)

 

For more information please contact the Ekka Media Unit:

Veronica Carew

RNA Communications Manager

Ph: 07 3253 3930 / 0408 323 631

Email: vcarew@rna.org.au

 

Katie Johnston

RNA Media and Communications Officer

Ph: 07 3253 3931 / 0433 376 713

Email: kjohnston@rna.org.au

 

Ann Rainbow

RNA PR Consultant

07 3253 3933/0411 482 792

Email: pr@ekka.com.au




 

For the first time in Ekka history, families and visitors to this year's Ekka will enjoy unprecedented savings with a range of new ticket bundles available including one package which saves 50% off food and 30% off entry, offering the cheapest show in years for families coping with cost of living pressures.
While the Ekka remains the most affordable of all the major Royal Shows in Australia, the RNA has introduced several historic packages aimed at saving the hip pocket and ensuring families can experience a day at the Ekka for as little as $8 an hour*
For the first time ever, families will be able to purchase the one ticket, for a limited time only, which gives them entry, food and rides.
The Ultimate Family Bundle package offers a total of 30% in savings and costs $145. It offers entry to the show for 2 adults and two children (30% saving) plus four main meals and four soft drinks (50% saving) and a $60 Ekka ride card. The items in this package normally would cost more than $200.
For families wanting to purchase an entry ticket alone - they can also save 30% with the Family A Ticket priced at $62 - a saving of $22.
Speaking at the official launch of the 2012 Ekka in Brisbane this morning, RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said cost of living pressures meant every dollar counts for families who should be able to experience the magic of Ekka on any budget.
"These packages mean families can come to the show knowing their budget for Ekka is worked out well before they come through the gates,'' he said.
"That's so important as it provides peace of mind for parents budgeting and it also means they can experience a great day out enjoying a cross-section of the show including their entry, a main meal for the whole family plus rides for everyone to enjoy.
"More than 70 per cent of the show is dedicated to free activities and entertainment, the Ekka is one of the most affordable events in the nation.
"On average, a visitor to Ekka spends seven hours at the show, which equates to about $3.50** an hour with no need to spend more, as we encourage people to bring their own food and drinks and enjoy lunch and dinner in our chill out zones."
Mr Christou said for 135 years, families have been coming to the show creating inter-generational memories that last a lifetime.
"Regardless of income, everyone should be able to attend and we believe our prices mean everyone can be a part of this amazing event."
A celebration of all things Queensland, the 2012 Ekka features a spectacular line-up of attractions and free entertainment.
This includes two huge nights of world-class performances by Eskimo Joe and The Ten Tenors; a foodies heaven with some of the nation's finest food and wine on offer; Australian first technology; thrilling new rides; about 23,000 competition entries; plus an amazing 10,000 animals.
This year Ekka visitors will also enjoy a number of firsts including the chance to walk through the newly transformed Royal International Convention Centre (formerly the Industrial Pavilion) which will house the Ekka's largest competition, The Royal Queensland Dog Show, together with the Agricultural Hall and Horticultural Exhibits.
The ever-popular night time program will be bigger and better than ever and feature some great new acts such as The Crack-up Sisters as well as the fireworks display which is twice as long and twice as spectacular.
For the first time Ekka fans will also be able to build and customise their own fireworks display with a new interactive app.
Mr Christou said more than 400,000 visitors were expected to attend Queensland's biggest and most-loved event.
"I encourage all Ekka visitors to jump online, look at the suggested itineraries, and plan their day so that they can make the most of the hundreds of free entertainment options and experiences on offer during the 10-days of show," Mr Christou said.
The discounted ticket packages including the Ultimate Family Bundle are available for a strictly limited time and can be purchased through the Ekka website until July 27. Other ride packages are available up until Ekka eve or throughout the show, further details available online.
The Ekka runs from August 9-18, 2012 at the RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane. For more information, including information on ticketing, transport, rides, showbags, and competitions visit www.ekka.com.au.
2012 EKKA HIGHLIGHTS
• Fireworks with twice the bang: The nightly RACQ Fireworks Spectacular will be the perfect finish to any day with twice the bang, twice the length and twice the sight for Ekka visitors to enjoy. The 2012 Ekka IgNites program, presented by B105, features all the favourites including the amazing 27-time national rodeo titleholder Frank Green plus great new acts such as The CrackUp Sisters and a mascot race.
• The Rock Star Ride: The newest ride to hit the Ekka-The Rock Star-will be a sight to see. It features a 25 metre high giant guitar which swings from side to side, lights up and changes colours and patterns.
• Eskimo Joe and The Ten Tenors: The 2012 Triple M Concert Series features an amazing line-up including alternative Australian rock band Eskimo Joe and classically trained The Ten Tenors. Kicking off with the operatic ensemble on August 12 and wrapping up the show with the internationally renowned Eskimo Joe on August 18, this year's concerts should not be missed.
• Suncorp Celebrity Cricket Match: Ekka 2012 will be sent off in true Queensland style as five cricketing greats, including Adam Gilchrist and Glenn McGrath, don their whites and take to the field at 4.30pm on August 18. Ekka visitors have the opportunity to play alongside and meet and greet their sporting icons in this fun activity for the whole family.
• dirtgirl: dirtgirl is a gumboot-wearing girl who grows awesome tomatoes, knows cloud names and drives a big orange tractor. dirtgirlworld features a line-up of much loved characters who live sustainably and in tune with nature-following the seasons, caring for their gardens and friends, building what they need from what they find and conserving resources. They do all of this while also taking the time out to daydream, gaze at the stars and find wild places. The dirtgirl musical show, Eco-Factor, explores the natural world and invites the audience to 'go get grubby' in the big world outside. Located in the Commonwealth Bank Auditorium twice daily, this brand new show is filled with lots of music from the favourite rating television series plus everything kids need to know about being eco-friendly. Once you've seen the show, drop by the dirtgirl Growing Green Activity Centre located in the Ekka Chill Out Zone, proudly sponsored by Grinders Coffee, to learn how to grow your own herbs. The best part is-participants will even get to take their new herb pot plant home.
• Royal Queensland Steakhouse: The Ekka's only fine dining restaurant, the Royal Queensland Steakhouse, has raised the bar for 2012. Featuring a menu filled with Australia's best steak, gold medal winning beef and lamb, diners will also be given the opportunity to have their steak carved to their preference at their dining table.
• Shane St James-Australia's Own Hypnotist: Shane is luckier than most comedians; he doesn't need script writers to help coax laughter out of the audience, he simply allows the volunteers to act out their hilarious antics without the usual inhibitions. Shane says there's nothing funnier than seeing your friends on stage doing crazy things. When you see your football mate doing a ballet dance through the audience or imitating Madonna, you will split your sides laughing.
• The CrackUp Sisters: Dynamic duo S.T. Ruth (better known as Struth) and Little B-Ute (formally known as Betty Angela Ursula Trudy Elvis Doug Ruth) are heading back to the Ekka for another whip cracking year of entertainment. The sisters, along with their car Matilda, will perform hilarious pranks and stunts on the Heritage Bank Community Stage and during the night time entertainment program.
• The BrickMan: The Southern Hemisphere's only LEGO certified professional is heading to Ekka 2012 and bringing a 5.76 metre tall rocket. Made from approximately 120,000 LEGO bricks and valued at $25,000, the Saturn V Rocket should not be missed.
• The Garden Platform: Green thumbs are being treated at this year's Ekka with the introduction of a brand new stage dedicated to encouraging involvement in all things horticultural. Share tips with some of Queensland's biggest gardening enthusiasts on The Garden Platform including ABC Gardening Australia presenter Jerry Coleby-Williams, florist Phoebe Stephens and 4BC radio's Clair Levander.
• Woodchop: With $65,000 in prize money up for grabs, Woodchop is one of the Ekka's most spectacular competitions and remains a crowd pleaser in every respect. Don't miss all the action.
• Commonwealth Bank Cotton and Wool Parades: As one of the Ekka's most iconic traditions the Commonwealth Bank Cotton and Wool Parades are a must see at this year's show. Presented in the 80s and 90s to massive crowds, the Commonwealth Bank Cotton and Wool Parades thrilled audiences and firmly entrenched them as one of the top experiences at the Ekka.
• Showbags: Don't miss out on your showbag at this year's Ekka with 335 varieties on offer. 2012 brings 66 brand new bags to the table leaving you stretched to choose just one to take home. Housed in Streets Sideshow Alley, the Triple M Showbag Pavilion is a great place to stop after the dodgem cars.
• Animals: Whether you're a dog person, a cat person or even a duck person, there's an animal around every Ekka corner waiting to steal the hearts of visitors. Kids will love Animal Boulevard from the Little Miracles Newborn Corner to the Horse Breeds Expo. There's fun for the whole family at the Dairy Farmers Milking Barn while Thoroughbred Day never ceases to amaze.
• Celebration of the best of the best: The Ekka is unique in bringing hundreds of competitions and 23,000 entries together to celebrate and showcase the best of the best. There's always Grand Champions being crowned around the grounds so consult your daily program to catch the blue ribbon being awarded.
Ends
(*- Based on the average time families spend at the Ekka each year - 7.5 hours and entry price for 2 adults, 2 children. ** - based on the average time an individual spends at the Ekka - 7.5 hours for a single entry ticket.)
For more information please contact the Ekka Media Unit: