THE Bellinger River Agricultural Society’s annual show will be officially opened at the earlier time of 9am on Saturday morning, 24 May, in the Bellingen Showground’s Entertainment Tent.
This significant change to the 144-year-old Bellingen Show tradition, will allow visitors to experience a full day of events, and signals the beginning of a weekend packed with activities.
“Moving the Official Opening to Saturday morning represents our commitment to evolving while honoring traditions and showing deeper respect for cultural practices,” Show President Susan Lumsdaine told News Of The Area.
The ceremony will feature a Welcome to Country and special performance by the Budaabang Bari Aboriginal Dance Group, celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The Entertainment Tent will then host performances across both show days.
Saturday showcases local school performances immediately following the opening ceremony, with dance groups, choirs, and musical ensembles throughout the day.
Sunday opens with Kaya Boom’s interactive drumming session followed by a day of performances by local youth musicians — highlighting the upcoming talent in the area.
The Grand Parade and presentation of trophies to champion horse and cattle entrants remain at the traditional time of 2:30pm Saturday, in the main arena.
The popular Young Farmer Challenge moves to the main arena on Sunday at noon, testing the practical skills of participants aged 18-35 with agricultural and rural tasks.
Teams of four will compete for the $400 first prize, sponsored by Coffs Harbour Toyota.
After a brief hiatus, the Artisan Tent returns with demonstrations of mosaics, weaving, basket making, clay work, spinning, and textile arts.
Featured artisans include illustrator Richard Sampson, fiber artist Lyn Green, and stained-glass artist Wendy Tanner, with the Dorrigo Plateau Fibre Group inviting visitors to try the giant Viking Loom.
The 2025 Show introduces the new free-to-attend Agricultural Education Program, where hands-on learning brings agriculture to life through badge-making, workshops on dairy activities, virtual reality experiences, food science demonstrations, a children’s sandpit, and interactive activities.
Visitors can collect an Ag Education Passport guiding them on an agricultural treasure hunt throughout the grounds.
Or they can pick up a Judge Along card and try their hand at judging the cattle and horse competitions.
Free admission has been extended for all school children in 2025; expanded from previous years when only children under six received free entry
A free shuttle bus provided by Busways will operate throughout the Show weekend.
The service will begin each day from Urunga’s Pilot Street Coach Bus Stop at 7:25am and run a continuous loop in Bellingen, with stops at Bellingen High School (Waterfall Way entrance), Church Street bus stop, McCristal Drive, and the Bellingen Showground.
A final return service to Urunga will depart at 4:40pm on Saturday and 3:20pm on Sunday.
Show volunteer opportunities are still available by visiting bellingenshow.com.au.
By Andrea FERRARI
