28 FEB – 2 MARCH
NEWCASTLE SHOW COMPETITIONS
Featuring the David Strachan Art Prize
The Newcastle Show invites artists to showcase their talents in the 2025 Art Competition & Exhibition, with categories spanning landscape, abstract, and Indigenous art. Celebrating Newcastle’s vibrant art community, the event offers prize opportunities and the chance to sell artwork, honouring creativity and culture in the heart of the Hunter.
A Delicious Showcase of Cakes, Biscuits, and Breads
The Newcastle Show’s 2025 Baking Competition invites amateur bakers and junior chefs to showcase their skills in the art of baking. Featuring categories ranging from classic cakes to creative treats, this event promises a delightful display of talent and taste. With trophies, and prizes up for grabs, participants will compete in a fun and community-spirited atmosphere. Judging is open to the public, offering a unique chance to see expert evaluations in action.
Equestrian Competitions
A Showcase of SKILL AND ENTERTAINMENT
- ONLINE ENTRIES ONLY – CLOSING 11:59PM ON WEDNESDAY 26 FEB 2025 – NO LATE ENTRIES OR ENTRIES ON THE DAY
Please enter our Equestrian Competition via NOMINATE: https://nominate.com.au/EquestDN/Event.aspx?e=90DD1D7ABB5A4945831FBE54A0934DD1&eventlist=24
Please enter our Show Jumping Competition via GLOBAL ENTRIES ONLINE: https://globalentriesonline.com/event/11337
All competitors are required to complete an online Participant Risk Waiver (AgShows NSW) acknowledgement and Horse Health Biosecurity Declaration (AgShows NSW) prior to competing. Save time on competition morning by emailing your completed declaration to eq********@ne***********.au prior. All PIC numbers must be registered before competing in accordance with recommendations by ASC and State regulatory bodies. Once the competitor has completed the necessary forms, they will need to collect a coloured wristband from the Equestrian Office before entering centre ring. Competitors without a wristband will not be permitted to participate.
It is the responsibility of competitors and spectators to print their own copy of the schedule.
Stabling: Limited (20) stables are on offer to entrants upon submission of online entries for an additional cost – own bedding must be supplied. Enter early to avoid missing out.
Float/Truck Parking & Gate Entry Fee: Vehicles entering the Showground must pay a parking/entry fee of $30 per car. This fee includes entry to 1 x competitor and 1 x extra person. Additional passengers must pay the standard ticket prices and it is recommended you secure additional tickets here prior to arrival at the gate.
Access for the Showground between 5am – 10am daily: There will be NO right-hand turn from Griffiths Road into The Showground. Vehicles are to use the left turning lane only, westbound on Griffiths Road through the main gates. If you are driving eastbound on Griffiths Road, please turn RIGHT into Broadmeadow Road, LEFT into Brown Road/Chatham Road (along railway) then LEFT into Griffiths Road. This will allow for safe queuing of traffic during entry. We understand this is different to previous years but thank you for your cooperation.
Showcasing Quilting, Knitting, Embroidery, and More
The Newcastle Show’s 2025 Handcraft Competition invites creators of all ages and abilities to showcase their skills across a variety of categories, including embroidery, quilting, knitting, up-cycled art, and more. With ribbons, prizes, and special awards on offer, this event highlights the diverse talents within the community.
Celebrating the Finest Honey and Apiary Products
Proudly sponsored by AGL, the Newcastle Show’s 2025 Honey Competition invites beekeepers and honey producers to showcase their best liquid, creamed, and comb honey, as well as beeswax and bee photography. With categories open for all skill levels, awards, and cash prizes, this event highlights the rich variety and quality of Australian honey.
Showcasing Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, and Creative Scarecrows
Proudly sponsored by Hunter Water, the Horticulture Competition invites gardeners, schools, and young exhibitors to showcase their skills. With categories for fruits, vegetables, flowers, terrariums, potted plants, and scarecrows, this event celebrates the region’s agricultural and creative talents. Open to all ages, the competition features prize money, and special awards.
THis year’s theme: “Home, Sweet Home”
The Newcastle Show’s 2025 Icing & Decorating Competition invites bakers and decorators of all skill levels to showcase their talent and imagination. With categories for juniors, novices, and open competitors, the event highlights themes of artistry and technical precision. From novelty cakes to sugar sculptures, this competition celebrates the art of cake decorating with special prizes, including the People’s Choice Award for the most popular exhibit.
Showcasing Jams, Pickles, and Sauces
The Newcastle Show’s Preserves Competition invites makers of jams, butters, pickles, and sauces to showcase their culinary skills. With categories for open, novice, and junior exhibitors, this event celebrates the tradition of homemade preserves. Whether you’re an experienced preserver or a first-time participant, this competition promises a flavourful celebration of creativity and craftsmanship.
Showcasing cattle
Proudly sponsored by GPA Financial Services the Stud Beef Cattle and Stud Beef Cattle Junior competitions are highly anticipated features of the Newcastle Show. There are categories for schools and individuals, with the Supreme Exhibit of Show presented on Saturday 1 March.
Showcasing Woodturning, Carving, and model making
Want to meet new people, learn new skills, hone existing skills or just want a good coffee? The Woodturners and Woodworkers of the Hunter welcome you. Exhibitor categories range from novice to experienced with cash prizes and ribbons awarded.
Showcasing Wood chopping competition
The woodchop competition at the Newcastle Show is a thrilling showcase of strength, skill, and tradition. Competitors race to slice through massive logs using razor-sharp axes and saws, battling it out in events like underhand, standing block, and tree felling. A crowd favorite, this high-energy event celebrates Australia’s rich timber-cutting heritage and keeps spectators on the edge of their seats.