Cancelled due to showground conditions following heavy rain
Bellinger River Agricultural Society Inc.
Community Celebration with Free Activities and Easy Access
The Bellingen Show returns May 24-25 at the Bellingen Showground, blending beloved traditions with exciting innovations for the whole community to enjoy. This year’s event features significant changes while offering a wide array of free activities and convenient transportation options.
Key changes for 2025
In a break from tradition, the Official Opening of the 2025 Bellingen Show will take place at 9:00am Saturday morning in the Entertainment Tent. This ceremony will feature a Welcome to Country and special performance by the Budaabang Bari Aboriginal Dance Group, celebrating our region’s rich cultural heritage.
“Moving the Official Opening to Saturday morning represents our commitment to evolving the Show while honoring its traditions and showing deeper respect for cultural practices,” explains Show President Susan Lumsdaine. The Grand Parade and trophy presentations will still happen at the traditional time of 2:30pm.
Saturday in the main arena
Another exciting announcement is free admission for all school children from infants through high school, removing financial barriers for families and encouraging young people to engage with agricultural traditions, sustainability concepts, and community connections.
Free activities for everyone
The 2025 Show offers incredible value with dozens of free activities included with admission:
Animal encounters
Thrilling horse competitions in the Main Arena Skilled woodchoppers demonstrating strength and precision on Saturday. Over 300 birds of various breeds in the Poultry Pavilion Adorable farm animals at the Petting Zoo. The entertaining Mongrel Dog Show on Sunday. Cattle judging and prize livestock displays on Saturday. Reptile World presentations throughout both days.
Entertainment
Local school performances in the Entertainment Tent on Saturday. Kaya Boom’s interactive drumming sessions on Sunday morning. Local dance group showcases Youth music showcase in the Entertainment Tent on Sunday. The Grand Parade highlighting agricultural excellence. Roving circus performer throughout the grounds. Active Fun area with Traditional Races and Tug of War competition.
Arts and learning
Pavilion displays of art, craft, cooking, flowers, and produce. Displays and interactive activities at the Artisan Tent. Children’s Choice Chook competition voting in the Poultry Pavilion. Blacksmith demonstrations of traditional metalworking. School displays showcasing student projects. SustainaBellingen Showcase with sustainability presentations both days. Waan Buurrwigam (face painting) with traditional Gumbaynggirr designs.
New agricultural education program
Visit the McGregor Gourlay Ag Education Hub to learn more about this exciting new program, bringing agriculture to life through hands-on learning:
Workshops covering dairy activities, food science, and virtual reality experiences. Badge-making station for personalised Show souvenirs. WFI Insurance Ag Education Passport treasure hunt across the showground. Hunt down the facts on the Educational Commodity Corflutes located around the showground. “Judge Along” sheets to compare your scores with official judges. Children’s sandpit for the youngest visitors. UNE Careers in Focus event for secondary school students on Friday evening. Contact : emily_kenny33@hotmail.com
Expanded sustainability focus
The SustainaBellingen Showcase expands to two full days in its own dedicated marquee.
Featuring:
Former ABC weatherman Graham Creed discussing climate change and agriculture. “Andrew the Bird Guy” demonstrating how to attract birds to gardens. Housing Matters Action Group discussing affordable housing solutions. Neighbourhood Care Network’s Weather Watch on disaster preparedness.
Short film “Whispers of Wilderness” Demonstrations from Cascade Environmental School Home electrification information Musical performances by Akabella and Bellingen Singers Interactive activities on sustainable fashion and local catchment awareness.
The Show continues its waste reduction initiatives with ReThink Waste stations and the Mug Library at coffee vendors, which helped reduce landfill waste significantly in previous years.
Free shuttle bus service
Thanks to Busways, a free shuttle service operates throughout the Show weekend, making the event more accessible while reducing traffic congestion:
Service begins each day from Urunga’s Pilot Street Coach Bus Stop at 7:25am Continuous loop around Bellingen with stops at Bellingen High School (Waterfall Way entrance), Church Street bus stop, McCristal Drive, and the Showground Final return service to Urunga departs at 4:40pm Saturday and 3:20pm Sunday
This sustainable transport option helps make the Show accessible to more community members. Leave your car at home or park near a pickup point for a stress-free journey to the Show!
Additional highlights
Young Farmer Challenge: Moving to the Main Arena on Sunday at noon, with teams competing for the $400 first prize sponsored by Coffs Harbour Toyota. Artisan Tent: Featuring demonstrations of mosaics, weaving, basket making, clay work, spinning, and textile arts. Show Membership: Available for the price of a two-day ticket, offering two day entry, discounted meal, free drink, and a chance to help shape the future of the Show at the annual planning meeting and AGM.
The Bellingen Show thrives thanks to dedicated community volunteers. Whether you can spare a few hours or a full day, there are many ways to contribute by contacting Volunteer Manager : Susanne at volunteers@bellingenshow.com.au.
Sponsor recognition
The Show Society acknowledges all its sponsors, large and small. “All our sponsors help to make the Show possible,” said Sponsorship Manager, Terry Cleary. “Their support allows us to enhance the Show experience while keeping it affordable for everyone.”
Major sponsors for 2025 are Affirmations Publishing House, Bellingen IGA, Bellingen Shire Council, Bellingen Showground, Benchmark Electric Co, Busways, C.ex Coffs Harbour, Coopers, Diggers Tavern, Norco AgriSolutions, Now & Zen, Polyaire Coffs Harbour, Warren Weick Real Estate, and Waterfall Way Associates.
For more information about the 2025 Bellingen Show, visit www.bellingenshow.com.au or follow the Bellingen Show on Facebook.
