A Royally Good Time At Royal Easter Show

Monday 10 March 2008

For immediate release

A Royally Good Time At Royal Easter Show

Have a royally good time this Easter and help celebrate 165-years of family fun at the Royal Easter Show.

On from Thursday 20 to Monday 24 March at the ASB Showgrounds, New Zealand’s largest and most varied family festival brings town and country together, with something for all ages and interests.

Back with an all-new show Out of Africa, the Cadbury Creme Egg Circus EGGstravaganza features a troop of African performers and other internationally acclaimed acts from across the globe in a breathtaking circus performance like no other.

Acts of skill, balance and speed mix with aerial performers and magic that will leave you spellbound. From the seven Kenyan gymnasts and comedy performers to world class juggling artists, and at just five years of age, the youngest Hula Hoop performer ever seen, Out of Africa is international, vibrant and exciting.

Other headline acts include Shrek the Third featuring Shrek, Princess Fiona, Donkey and Puss In Boots in a live stage show version of Dreamworks’ animated hit movie, and international smash hit the BBC children’s series The Tweenies in a live stage show featuring all four Tweenies and the unique Tweenies Activity Clock.

Also new this year, Soifua Village Polynesia's new show Rock'A'Hula rocks the outdoor stage with show-stopping Polynesian song and dance, family fun and humour, and roving street performers Charlie Chaplin, Ambush Paparazzi and American Tourist entertain the crowds.

A showdown between New Zealand and visiting UK big guns looks set to up the adrenal in the Lion Foundation Royal Easter Shears, back with a top line-up of world-class local shearers including top male shearers David Fagan and Paul Avery and women’s record holder Emily Welch.

Back by popular demand, the Kiwi Lumberjacks battle it out in a new action-packed show, an old-style lumberjack competition complete with razor sharp axes, cross cut saws, chainsaws and log-rolling. While hypnotist Guy Cater entertains with hilarious fun as willing members of the audience fall under Guy’s spell.

All the old favourites remain including the ever-popular carnival, ASB Farm Zone where kids can get up close to learn about farm animals, Royal Easter Cat Show, Great Cadbury Bunny Show, and New Zealand’s largest art competition the Royal Easter Show Art Awards.

Many of New Zealand’s top breeding animals will also compete for honours in the A&P competitions, with dog trials, showjumping and equestrian also on the schedule.

New this year, two lucky families will win the Ultimate Gold Coast Theme Park Experience at Warner Village Theme Parks on the Gold Coast, Australia with flights, five nights accommodation, theme park tickets and NZ$1,000 spending money included. Fill out the back of your entry ticket and drop it in the entry box onsite, or visit www.royaleastershow.co.nz for a second chance to win.

When: Thursday 20-Monday 24 March 2008, 9am-9pm (closes 6pm Monday)

Where: ASB Showgrounds, 217 Greenlane West, Auckland. Parking is available in the adjacent Puriri Drive Football Fields.

Cost: $36 for a family of five (including two adults and up to three children), $16 adult, $11 senior citizens and students, $6 child (2-12yrs) and free for under-2s. All shows and attractions, excluding the carnival rides, are included in the entry price at no extra cost.

Info: visit www.royaleastershow.co.nz or phone 09 916 2550.

Tips for making the day a success:

 Arrive early to avoid the crowds. Programmes are available from the information kiosk with show times, a full schedule, map and everything else you need to know.

 On arrival go straight to the Circus Ticket Box on the main arena to book your free circus tickets.

 Drink plenty of water and eat to keep your energy levels up. As well as the many stalls, there’s a great café in the new foyer with lots of healthy options and Eftpos is available.

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