By Michael Burt
The cancelling of last year’s Bellingen show was a sad story, but it has inspired a 2026 extravaganza packed with new events to promote local agricultural and fashions.
Show President Emily Kenny said the annual Bellingen Show is a cherished tradition that brings our community together, tells our region's story, and showcases what makes our shire special.
“But that doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past. This year’s show incorporates many new features and attractions, designed to reflect the show’s values of connection, education and fun,” Ms Kenny said
New additions include:
• Fashions Off the Field. This vibrant showcase celebrates style, partnership, and presentation of an often-overlooked duo: the horse and its handler. This innovative event invites participants to present their horses in coordinated, fashion-forward ensembles. Handlers and their horses will be judged not only on individual style, but also on harmony, presentation, and the overall visual impact of their partnership.
• Ag Education Hub. Children can pick up an Ag Education Passport to guide them on an agricultural adventure across the showground, finding educational displays and completing activities to earn prizes. There is also career information on offer for older visitors.
• The Great Fashion Stitch Up. Come to the Sewing Station to turn scraps from the textile waste pile into a new creation, which you can then show off on the Red Carpet Runway on Sunday.
• Bellinger River Agricultural Society scholarship. A total of $5000 is on offer to young people who live in the Bellingen Shire to help them pursue a career in agriculture, sustainability, rural industries, land management, or rural trades. Warren Weick Real Estate is the show’s Principal Partner supporting the scholarship. The winner will be announced at the show.
Ms Kenny that while the cancellation of last year’s show was heartbreaking, it showed just how important the show is to the community.
“The support we received was incredible, and this year through all our planning and listening to the community, we have aimed to ensure the show not only reflects what our community values now, but also builds a sustainable event for years to come.”
“What sets Bellingen Show apart from many other regional shows is the focus on authenticity and a sense of belonging.”
There are no mechanical rides or a sideshow alley - a deliberate omission to try to make the show affordable for all.
“Instead, there are opportunities to make connections, appreciate the region’s creatives and artisans, and learn about agriculture.”
All the old favourites are still there: woodchopping, cattle, horses, poultry, the pavilion, the Artisan Hub, two days of local entertainment, the Mongrel Dog Show and heaps of fun games and competitions such as the ever-popular Young Farmers’ Challenge.
Busways are running free continuous loops through town to take people to the show. They will run loops roughly every 40 mins from 7.45am to 11:50, then 12.25 - 4.25pm on Saturday, and same on Sunday except last bus is 3.05pm. The loop is Bellingen High (Waterfall Way side), Church St (after Bowra St), 12 Mccristal Drive, Showground, cnr Church & Hyde.
A reminder that the Black Street entrance is closed this year and the main entrance is on Hammond Street (unless parking around the back).
Buying tickets online is encouraged to avoid having to queue and it is cheaper.
