EKKA 2013

[DIEHARD]

http://www.ekka.com.au/ 8-17 August 2013

[DIEHARD]

I'll be heading in the first Friday. Looking forward to it.

[DIEHARD]

Ekka entertainment generates a powerful buzz three weeks out from showtime

MORE food, more entertainment and more power are the hallmarks of the 2013 Ekka, officially launched in the new Royal International Convention Centre on Tuesday.

Five extra generators will be brought in to power the centrepiece of this year's show - Ekka After Dark, a line-up of evening shows, concerts and live entertainment, said RNA chief executive Brendan Christou.

Among these are nightly concerts by Ricki-Lee Coulter, monster truck shows, woodchopping and sheep dog trials, an appearance by Marvel superhero Iron Man and the Ekka IgNites 360 show.

"We've overcome logistic, engineering and aeronautical challenges to create Ekka IgNites 360 but I think the results will speak for themselves when we see it in action in 23 days' time," Mr Christou said at the launch.

..The nightly finale features 15 fireworks platforms, water fountains, lasers, fire dancers and speed bikes.

The 2013 Ekka will be the first to take advantage of the new Royal International Convention Centre and Plaza with the dog show, agriculture and horticulture pavilions taking over the ground floor and the upper level housing a new gourmet food and fashion precinct.

The new food area will complement the adjacent Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion with its tastings, demonstrations and eateries.

..The iconic strawberry sundaes are back and celebrating a 25-year fundraising partnership with the Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.

For the second year in a row, the ice-cream is supplied by Coopers Plains-based ice-creamery, Lick.

The 136th Ekka runs from August 8-17. Schedules, programs and ticket information from ekka.com.au

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/ekka-entertainment-generates-a-powerful-buzz-three-weeks-out-from-showtime/story-e6frfkp9-1226680250968#ixzz2ZETY9jsY