The 2025 Armidale & New England Show will proceed as planned today and tomorrow (7 and 8 March) at the Armidale Showgrounds, despite the unfortunate cancellation of the Showjumping events due to forecast winds from the cyclone.
“This is a decision that has not been taken lightly,” organisers said on Facebook.
“At this stage, this is the only change to the weekend’s program of events. The Jumping may have had to cancel because of the weather, but the Show is still proceeding.”
The annual Show remains a highlight of the local calendar, with a packed schedule of entertainment, competitions, and exhibitions. The Pavilion will be open from 10am this morning, showcasing local talent in categories such as Photography, Crafts, Jams, Preserves and Honey, Woodwork, Handicrafts, and more.
Crowd favourites, the Young Woman competition, the Ute Show, and the Demolition Derby, will be returning once again, offering plenty of action for spectators, as well as all the horse and livestock events – and of course the Dachshund Dash.
For those looking to get involved, there are two fun events open to anyone game to have a go.
The Friday Night Mechanical Bull Showdown will put riders to the test in a round-robin competition to see who can hold on the longest. Sign-ups open at 5pm and close at 8pm, with a $10 entry fee per rider. Each participant gets two attempts, with the best time counting. The top four longest rides will move on to the final round, where one last ride will determine the champion. The winner will take home $200 in cash, while second place will receive $50.
The Blow-Up Bolt is a high-energy inflatable race where competitors will go head-to-head in heats of four to six racers dressed in blow up sumo suits, with the top two from each heat advancing until the final round determines the champion. Racers must rely on their speed and balance, as pushing and blocking are not permitted, and if a competitor falls, they must get up and keep going without assistance. The event will take place on Saturday, 8 March at approximately 8:45pm, with a $10 entry fee per racer. The winner will take home $150 in cash, while second place will receive $50.
There’s plenty of rids and fun in sideshow alley too, with classic attractions such as Dodgem Cars, the Cup & Saucer Ride, the Fun Slide, and Jumping Castles. Thrill-seekers can experience high-adrenaline rides, including The Big Whizzer, The Sky Screamer, The Hurricane, The Tornado, The Breakdance, and the Mega Drop, which is making its debut appearance in Armidale.
Families can also enjoy the Giant Ferris Wheel, the largest to visit the New England region at 30 metres tall, as well as the return of the Travelling Mirror Maze, which has been absent for several years. A Haunted House will also be part of the entertainment, adding to the fun of the sideshow alley experience.
Canambe Street between Kirkwood and Dumaresq Street will be closed for the Armidale Show until 10pm on the 9th of March.
More information is available from the Show website or Facebook page.
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