There’s nothing quite like the buzz of the Royal Show. Whether it’s the Royal Easter Show in Sydney, The Ekka in Brisbane, or the Royal Melbourne Show, these events are vibrant celebrations of community, culture, and country life. And if you’re thinking about applying for your first stall, this blog is for you. Let’s take a stroll through what makes these shows so special and how you can shine at them.
🧺 From Country to City: Bringing Your Best
The Royal Shows are a chance for people in the city to connect with country charm local produce, handmade goods, heritage crafts, and the stories behind them. Your stall isn’t just a place to sell; it’s a way to connect urban visitors with rural heart. That’s why your set-up, signage, and storytelling all matter. Tell people where your goods come from. What’s special about them? What makes them yours?
🐐 My Royal Show Story (And a Runaway Steer)
I’ve got a bit of a love story with the Royal Show. When I was in my early teens, I was a showbag packer for the Brisbane AFL Shop (first The Bears, then The Lions!). Later I worked for Hunter Leisure, packed a lot of showbags honestly, I think I’ve packed over a million and then moved up to supervising showbag stands in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. I loved every minute of it.
Over the years, I’ve helped build produce displays, walked in two fashion parades (thanks to a vendor who needed a model!), and met amazing people from all walks of life. One night, a steer got loose near the animal pavilion and growing up in the Lockyer Valley paid off because I was able to catch him!
That’s the thing about the Royal Show: it’s not just an event it’s an experience.
🏆 Add a Little Prestige with Awards
Royal Shows are also known for showcasing award-winning produce and crafts. If you make jam, chutney, baked goods, or even have a prize pumpkin or handmade quilt, consider entering it in the competition section. If you win or even just participate you can use those accolades in your stall signage and on social media. “Award-winning chutney at The Ekka” or “Best Jam at the Royal Melbourne Show” makes a big impact on browsers!
And don’t forget to share your wins and moments online. Celebrate your story people love supporting local legends.
🤝 A Space for Community and Connection
Beyond selling, these shows are a space to connect. You’ll meet fellow stallholders, long-time producers, farmers, foodies, educators, and curious customers. Walking through the vendor lanes is like wandering through a living museum of creativity and craftsmanship I’ve even learned about natural soap nuts near the livestock pavilions!
Take time to soak it all in. This isn’t just about transactions; it’s about connections that can last long after the gates close.
🧠 Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference
Every Royal Show is a bit different. Some run for multiple days, have themed days, or specific categories of stalls. If you’re new, it’s worth planning well ahead:
- Research your chosen show’s audience
- Find out if your products need special storage or approvals
- Plan signage, packaging, and promotions that align with the crowd
We’re working on a dedicated checklist for first-time Royal Show stallholders that’ll cover all of this.
👉 [Insert link here when ready]
In conclusion, the Royal Show is more than a market it’s a celebration of everything we love about local, handmade, and community-driven businesses. Whether you’re bringing honey from your hives, jam from your backyard orchard, or handmade wares from your kitchen table, this is your chance to shine. Be proud of your roots, show off your hard work, and enjoy the ride. You never know who you might inspire.
Disclaimer: This blog post is based on personal experience and general guidance for first-time stallholders. Royal Shows may have different requirements, fees, and processes depending on location and management.
Author: Chantel Jackson
Founder of My Local Market Directory
