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This was published 2 years ago

Gallery: The Brisbane Ekka in pictures

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Each year, Brisbane-based photographer Morgan Roberts heads out to the showgrounds to document the Ekka — Brisbane’s annual agricultural show. Here are his photos from the 2023 event.

These queueing punters were among 40,000 who came through the gates on a sunny day one of Ekka 2023.

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These queueing punters were among 40,000 who came through the gates on a sunny day one of Ekka 2023.Credit:Morgan Roberts

Organisers say the event is all about Queensland celebrating country spirit in the heart of the city.

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Organisers say the event is all about Queensland celebrating country spirit in the heart of the city.Credit:Morgan Roberts

It’s back as an annual event after being cancelled during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

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It’s back as an annual event after being cancelled during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.Credit:Morgan Roberts

Except for those years — and breaks in 1919 and 1942 — it’s been held every year since it began in 1876.

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Except for those years — and breaks in 1919 and 1942 — it’s been held every year since it began in 1876.Credit:Morgan Roberts

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The Ekka is home to one of Australia’s largest annual cattle competitions, featuring more than 1000 head of cattle.

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The Ekka is home to one of Australia’s largest annual cattle competitions, featuring more than 1000 head of cattle.Credit:Morgan Roberts

Natalie, Alexander and Ross Olive are visiting from Rockhampton.

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Natalie, Alexander and Ross Olive are visiting from Rockhampton.Credit:Morgan Roberts

Daytime entertainment includes everything from sheep shearing and whip cracking to dance and magic performances.

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Daytime entertainment includes everything from sheep shearing and whip cracking to dance and magic performances.Credit:Morgan Roberts

The $6 strawberry sundae — made with fresh strawberries, cream and strawberry ice cream — is sold as a fundraiser for medical research.

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The $6 strawberry sundae — made with fresh strawberries, cream and strawberry ice cream — is sold as a fundraiser for medical research.Credit:Morgan Roberts

The animal competitions include several categories for poultry, pigeons, birds and eggs.

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The animal competitions include several categories for poultry, pigeons, birds and eggs.Credit:Morgan Roberts

Across the 46 competition sections, close to 500 judges and stewards are involved.

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Across the 46 competition sections, close to 500 judges and stewards are involved.Credit:Morgan Roberts

Ross, Kian, Wayneo, Kevin and Russe are among those hard at work behind the scenes.

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Ross, Kian, Wayneo, Kevin and Russe are among those hard at work behind the scenes.Credit:Morgan Roberts

Standing outside the showbag pavilion, Elizabeth Trappett holds a pink bear that she plans to give to her fiance.

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Standing outside the showbag pavilion, Elizabeth Trappett holds a pink bear that she plans to give to her fiance.Credit:Morgan Roberts

There are 392 varieties of showbag to choose from, most filled with toys and sweets.

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There are 392 varieties of showbag to choose from, most filled with toys and sweets.Credit:Morgan Roberts

Sunday afternoon saw the main arena host a relay-style event incorporating everyday farm activities like rolling hay bales.

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Sunday afternoon saw the main arena host a relay-style event incorporating everyday farm activities like rolling hay bales.Credit:Morgan Roberts

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As the sun sets, lights come on in the main arena where entertainment continues until 8pm.

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As the sun sets, lights come on in the main arena where entertainment continues until 8pm.Credit:Morgan Roberts

Crowds gather in the main arena to watch horses, circus performances, motocross, V8s and fireworks.

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Crowds gather in the main arena to watch horses, circus performances, motocross, V8s and fireworks.Credit:Morgan Roberts

Teenagers flock to Sideshow Alley as the night goes on.

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Teenagers flock to Sideshow Alley as the night goes on.Credit:Morgan Roberts

Dodgem cars are among the rides that run until gates close at 8pm.

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Dodgem cars are among the rides that run until gates close at 8pm.Credit:Morgan Roberts

Vanessa Roach says working during the evening can be challenging. “It’s full ... People can be so rude.”

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Vanessa Roach says working during the evening can be challenging. “It’s full ... People can be so rude.”Credit:Morgan Roberts

After the fireworks, families head back to car parks and train stations for the journey home.

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After the fireworks, families head back to car parks and train stations for the journey home.Credit:Morgan Roberts