All New Coca-Cola Easter Show Sets Records Of All Kinds

There were records set in both arenas and at the box office as well as the 2012 edition of the Coca-Cola Easter Show finished Monday on a high.

A record crowd of over 60,000 happy people came through the gate over the five days of the show - a 40% increase over last year.

"This was easily the best show in years on every level," said ASB Showgrounds CEO and show organiser Mark Frankham.

"The crowd enthusiastically supported a fantastic lineup of new attractions, many of which were included in the entry ticket price. Having free entry for children 12 and under was very popular and saw many more families take the opportunity for a day at the show.

We think that this show has set a positive direction for future Easter Shows," he said.

Among the new attractions was New Zealand's only resident travelling circus, The Zirka Circus, which saw sold out shows throughout the weekend. Also hugely popular was the first ever visit by the Looney Tunes Live! Classroom Capers which along with New Zealand's own The WotWots live show kept the littlies happy, while The Canadian Bushwhackers appealed to all ages with their pole climbing antics.

100% Kylie kept the crowd entertained each night until late with a huge fireworks display to finish the show with a bang each night.

In addition to record gate sales, there were records set in the arenas. The New Zealand Strongman Competition saw new records in almost every category including the 14 Tonne Bus Pull, Hercules Hold and Log Lift, with Strongman Colm Wolfe from Auckland’s North Shore winning the overall title.

And the heart of the Coca-Cola Easter Show is the Agricultural and Pastoral show and this year was no exception, with the massive display of animals moved indoors to fill the pavilions of the ASB Showgrounds.

And the 2012 edition of the Coca-Cola Easter Show Art Awards likewise attracted a huge number of participating artists - Nicola Zimmerman won the Queens Diamond Jubilee for most successful artist in the painting section with her work ‘Klein Aber Fine’ and  Pieter van der Walt won Supreme Champion Photo in Show with his photograph 'Vulcan Lane Buskers'.

The 2012 Easter Show Wine Awards included stand out entries, Brightwater Vineyards Lord Rutherford Barrique Chardonnay 2009 winning the trophy for Champion Wine of the Show.  Tony Southgate of Brightwater Vineyards, Nelson won the Medal for Wine Maker of the Year.

"We're taking the positives from this event and looking forward to building a bigger and better event next year," said Frankam.

Planning for the 2013 Coca-Cola Easter Show begins today," he said.

For further information contact PR Consultant; Paul Blomfield; 021 970 871, paul@paulblomfield.com