By Eleanor Wilson
Presenting its first public show since the Covid pandemic hit in 2020, The Berwick Show hopes to come back with a bang when it enlivens Akoonah Park this weekend, 25 and 26 February.
The 174th annual show will welcome back many fan-favourites and traditions old and new, under the theme ‘We are One – Welcome Everyone’.
RETURN OF THE DOGS
The 2023 Show has plenty to offer for dog-lovers, thanks to the return of the Dog Championships and Flyball Dogs competition on Sunday, after a long stint at KCC Park.
“We’re very excited to have the dogs back this year,” Berwick Show president Warwick Glendenning said.
“Flyball takes place in the main arena on Sunday and that’s a real attraction…people love watching the dogs with the flyball.”
MAIN ARENA THRILL
The Saturday evening schedule is set to be a thrill-seekers treat, with The Freestyle Kings Motorbike show performing a range of death defying stunts, followed by a fireworks display at 9:30pm to close the first night of festivities.
“We are excited to perform at the 2023 Berwick Show. Team rider and local hero Ryan Brown from Berwick will be performing along with Sydney Ry Davis,” Freestyle Kings director Josh Hannah said.
“You can expect the biggest tricks in the business out of both riders, including Ryan Brown’s signature Switchblade flip.”
For show-goers looking to get in touch with the traditional side of the show, Saturday will bring sheep, cattle, alpacas, heavy and miniature horses and poultry to the main arena, while the pavilions will be open weekend long, featuring arts, crafts cooking and horticulture.
FAREWELL TO OLD FAVOURITES
Perhaps the biggest shock to the Show roster this year was the recent announcement that the iconic wood-chopping event was getting the axe, due to a log supply issue after a court ruling restricted timber harvesting across the state.
“The woodchop was a massive drawcard for families on the Sunday so it’s a real shame not to be holding that,” Berwick Show president Warwick Glendenning said.
The showjumping schedule will also be missed at Akoonah Park on the weekend, with recent wet weather conditions and community use deeming the grounds unsuitable to hold the event.
Instead, the equine event has been shifted to a more suitable venue in Werribee, to be held at the same time.
Equine enthusiasts can still look forward to the Heavy Horse program on Saturday, along with the Open Horse Show on Monday 13 March.
TICKETS
Tickets to the Berwick Show are now more affordable than ever, with adult tickets just purchased before the show priced at just $10 and all children 14 and under free.
“We’re hoping the reduced prices will help people in the community from all walks of life come and have day they can enjoy with their families, and one that doesn’t put a massive burden on them financially,” Berwick Show secretary Margaret Boon said.
Kids can also enjoy a range of free activities all weekend, including face painting and pony rides.
Mrs Boon stressed that while children 14 and under have free access to the show, they still need a free ticket, which can be purchased online or at the gate.
Show-goers are encouraged to purchase tickets before the show to take advantage of discounted prices.
Online adult tickets are priced at $10, while tickets can be purchased at the gate for $15.
The 2023 Berwick Show will take place at Akoonah Park, on the corner of the Princes Highway and Cardinia Street, Berwick, on Saturday 25 February from 9am to 9:30pm and Sunday 26 February from 9am to 4pm.
For more information and to book your tickets, head to berwickshow.org.au.
