The Royal Melbourne Show is a much-loved iconic event and although Victorians were unable to attend this year, the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) were delighted by the response and support received in Celebrating the Show Online.
The 11-day schedule of online and social media activity provided a unique and valuable platform to enable communities to celebrate and showcase their passion, and in particular, promote and celebrate agriculture from 19 – 29 September 2020.
A key part of the program was dedicated to celebrating and acknowledging many of the amazing volunteers, members, exhibitors, sponsors and patrons who help bring the Show to life each year. Activities included:
- Stories, competitions and activations focussed on art, craft and cookery, dogs, unique show attractions, rides, amusements and showbags
- Show online ambassador, Lyndsey Douglas interviewed competitors, exhibitors and show fans
- An online junior judging program for the sheep exhibitors and beef cattle ‘Hoof & Hook’ competition, held in Yea and livestreamed.
- Messages of support were received from the Governor of Victoria, Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp and many media personalities
- Oli Le Lievre from Humans of Agriculture hosted a special podcast series that included interviews with six Royal Melbourne Show personalities
- Show bag promotions
- ‘Farm cam’ direct from Royal Melbourne Show personality, Farmer Darryl’s farm
- Promotion of regional Victorian farmers and producers via online marketplace “Click for Vic”.
The response to the activities over the 11 days exceeded expectations. The RASV received high engagement, many well wishes and valuable media coverage to maintain awareness and interest in the Royal Melbourne Show in a year that the event could not be held.
The program attracted 60,000 views of the Royal Melbourne Show interviews and videos and over 30,000 Royal Melbourne Show Facebook page visits, 595 radio and 46 television clips, 53 print and online articles and over 120,000 Royal Melbourne Show website visits.
RASV reported, it was wonderful to see the significant interest and engagement with people remembering and sharing what they love about the Royal Melbourne Show.