About 10,500 people walked through the doors during the two-day event at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC).

That figure comprises everyone from ticketholders to competitors, traders and volunteers, and they say the crowd boost is due to the new site’s size and perks.

Read also:

Tamworth P&A president Greg Townsend said he put it down to three main factors.

“It was a new venue, there was different entertainment, and probably the thing I think has been the best is value for money for a family to come in,” he said.

On the Saturday, for example, it cost a family of five $39 to enter, with the chance to see contests including the wood chop, shearing and pet parade; several live musicians; and the rodeo and Rooftop Express Wild West Arena Show.

“Where else can you go and get that sort of entertainment for what it costs you to get in? … Everybody seemed to be happy and I think the numbers project that for us.”

Venue manager Mike Rowland said the event had showcased AELEC, and a couple of event organisers were now considering it as a venue for national competitions.

“Personally, I think the venue well and truly proved itself from a diversification perspective,” he said.

“And it’s another reason for people to come to Tamworth, that’s the best bit of it: it got people coming here for these events.”

All the photos from Tamworth Show 2018, here.