Royal Launceston Show is back for 2018 with a new compacted one-day show on Thursday, October 11.  Celebrate Tasmania's primary industries and enjoy the breeder competitions, industry displays, side-show rides and show bags.

With Launceston Showground gates opening at 9am for the early starters on the Show Day public holiday, and closing after the 9pm fireworks display, show-goers will have plenty of activities to entertain them.

Royal Launceston Show Society president Jock Gibson said all the show favourites would be there, with plenty of fun surprises for the kids. 

“We have a range of entertainment scheduled from 9am to 9pm, with a mix of roving entertainers and bands,” he said. 

“For kids, there will be a chance to see Anna and Elsa, Peppa Pig and George, as well as superheroes, Batman and Spider-Man. The Social Circus will also be teaching circus skills all day, and the animal nursery is open until 6.30pm.” 

Wood chopping events will also run throughout Thursday, but the action really picks up when the hot chainsaw events start at 7pm.

“That’ll be quite entertaining, and it’s pretty amazing to watch once they get fired up,” Mr Gibson said

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Cat and dog judging is also happening on site during the day.

Other attractions include livestock judging, the home craft pavilion, farm show, ​miniature horses, sideshows, rides, show bags and food court.

“Livestock judging will be running all day for sheep and beef and dairy cattle. There are junior handling competitions too,” Mr Gibson said.

“The national Hupmobile rally will also be at the show from around 4.30pm and staying until late.”

Two attractions are making a come back this year after a hiatus, with a ladies’ fashion parade at 2.30pm, presented by Sue’s of Invermay and the big show finale at 9pm, the fireworks! 

Mr Gibson said that feedback from last year had been taken on board to ensure the show continues.

 “We’ve had a good response to the one-day concept, and it looks like the weather is going to be good,” Mr Gibson said. 

“If this is successful we hope that the show can continue well into the future.”

The Royal Launceston Show is organised by a dedicated group of volunteers each year, Mr Gibson said without them there wouldn’t be a show and wished to thank them for their hard work. 

“We are a volunteer reliant event, without them nothing happens and this year they have done a fantastic job,” he said. 

Royal Launceston Show entry is at the gate only, with tickets reduced this year – $10 adults, $5 children between 5 and 15 years and $30 for a family ticket.