Wānaka’s annual showcase of rural life will be back in 2023, with organisers saying the next Wānaka A&P Show will be one of the biggest yet.

After cancelling this year's show for the first time in 77 years, due to Covid-19, event manager Jane Stalker says the 2023 event is gearing up to be a wonderful weekend.

“We have already reached capacity for trade exhibitors with over 500 attending and a large number of new, exciting stalls coming,” she said.

“We have some wonderful bands and entertainment lined up with something for everyone to enjoy, the children’s area is full of activities and rides, food and drinks stalls are a-plenty, and the central focus of the show, the animals, and A&P competitions are well underway to showcase the best to date.” 

Jane Stalker

More than 40,000 people attend the two day show and Jane said a feature of the 2023 show will be looking at how the event’s environmental impact is managed and how sustainability programmes can be developed.

“We are currently further developing our sustainability guidelines and practices with our trade partners and will have further details on this early next year,” she said. 

“We would love to hear from anyone who may have ideas on how we can further improve our footprint.”

The show will run over two days from March 10-11, 2023 with tickets available early next year.

Jane said the public can save on the price of a ticket and support the show organiser, the Upper Clutha A&P Society, by becoming a member.

“Being a member also gives you voting rights and is a great way to be an integral part of this iconic Wānaka event,” she said. 

Find membership details here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App