Following the extraordinary disappointment of the past two years, planning for the 2022 Royal Show is well advanced; this to take place over ten days from 27 May through 5 June.
The Show, with some 500 exhibitors participating, coincides with the Royal Agricultural Society’s 170th anniversary; a landmark occasion. Whilst the display mix will largely adhere to the successful ‘recipe’ of past years, the occasion will see a number of interesting and pleasing additions. From a livestock perspective, the Royal has been chosen to host three National Championships; being the Hampshire Down and Ile de France sheep breeds, and for the first time, the Chianina cattle breed (an exceptionally large beef animal of Italian lineage).
The Royal Show is well known for affording a fun-filled learning experience, and 2022 will again see the hosting of the KZN Youth Show catering for school going youngsters and students. This will take place during the course of the first weekend. Entry is open to all, and on the day, animals (cattle, sheep and goats) are loaned to participants.
In similar vein, the KZN leg of the Toyota SA Young Auctioneer Competition will take place on Monday afternoon, 30 May. The Royal Show Landbouweekblad Carcass Competition – certainly the most prestigious event on the South African Red Meat calendar – will take place on Tuesday, 31 May, and will be live-streamed to a national audience. The competitive Cattle and Sheep Sections will conclude their participation with the spectacular Gold Cup Cattle Parade in the main arena on Wednesday afternoon, 1 June.
Other agriculturally related displays of public interest include the Sheep and Wool Expo (with daily sheep shearing demonstrations), an informative exhibit by the Milk Producers Organisation, the Honey Hall and the ever-popular bird and rabbit sections.
The Living Land Workshop on Tuesday, 31 May, will give 180 emerging farmers an opportunity to hone their skills; this by way of several lectures and demonstrations during the course of the day. Aside from agriculture, the Royal Show continues to cater for a broad mix of commercial, industrial and service sector exhibits, including informative and professional displays by the SANDF and SAPS, amongst others.
The 150 year old Crafts and Home Industries Section has been modernised to exclusively cater for two primary exhibits; these being the art of cake icing and quilting. Also, with an interactive presence adjacent to the Crafts Hall, the Woodworkers Guild will again be participating.
No visit to the Royal Show is complete without entertainment, and 2022 promises to excite the senses and ensure a memorable time for young and old.
What to expect:
- ‘The Witness Wheels Car Show’ on Friday, 27 May. This first-time event at the Royal will see a number of components, including a ‘Sound-Off’, ‘Dyno’ and ‘Show & Shine’ competitions.
- The East Coast Radio Royal Rock Concert, featuring Prime Circle, Wonderboom, Cantrel, Fear of Falling and Jacques Moolman on Saturday afternoon, 28 May.
- Celebrating the 170 th Royal Show, the Royal Symphony Concert, the annual Midlands showcase of large ensemble music, takes place on Sunday, 29 May 29 at 11h00. This year the KZN Youth Orchestra and The Wykeham Collegiate Wind Band present a varied classical and popular selection of music with robust rhythms and broad popular melodies.
- The RSG Concert on Sunday afternoon, 5 June, featuring Elvis Blue, Demi Lee, Pietman Geldenhuys (aka Peter Mitchell) and the Coffee Snobs.
- The Hindvani FM Extravaganza will see a fusion of music and dance on Saturday evening, 4 June.
- An upgraded Bagjump will be returning to the show. Experience the thrill of the ‘Freefall’ – a no strings attached jump into a giant inflatable landing mattress, from a 18 m high Scissor Lift platform; not too far off the height of a 5-storey building.
- The equestrian programme will include Show-Jumping, Boerperd, Childrens and National Showing Classes.
- The Royal Show has also been chosen to host an international women’s tent-pegging competition; this between the national sides of South Africa and Jordan.
- With the focus on creating awareness, Working on Fire will be hosting two lunch hour demonstrations for schoolchildren.
- Two performances of the Jungle Rush Freestyle Moto-X Show on Saturday, 4 June.
- Also on the same date, a classic parade of the inimitable Mini motor car, spanning the years 1959 through 1972.
- Sunday morning, 5 June, will see the main arena hosting the schools ‘Marimba Fest’. The talent of these youngsters, and the visceral tone and uniqueness of this African instrument, always ensures a pleasing experience.
- KZN Dog Agility Nationals on Saturday, 28 and Sunday, 29 May.
- Skydiving displays on both Sunday’s of the Show.
- The return of the Karkloof Canopy Zipline, as well as the province’s largest fun-fair
- This, and much, much more…
In an effort to meet all tastes, there will be a full range of catering on site. These range from fast foods to seated dining, with certain outlets also being Halaal compliant. In respect of Covid protocols, the Royal Show will not require proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test. Instead, the venue capacity method will apply, being no more than 50% of capacity with an upper limit of 1 000 persons indoors and 2 000
outdoors. To give effect thereto, the grounds will be compartmentalised into zones. With the
exception of concerts in the main arena, it is unlikely that any area of the Showgrounds will exceed this capacity. With regard to main arena concerts, proof of vaccination (if requested) will be
required. These measures are fully compliant with the Regulations published in the Government Gazette of 4 May 2022.
For young and old, from both an entertainment and an informative perspective, there is a lot to look forward to.
FOR MORE INFO:
- 033 345 6274
- admin@royalshow.co.za
- www.royalshow.co.za / www.gardenshow.co.za