Motocross and 'dueling excavators' bring the roar to Canberra Show

Just two weeks ago, organisers announced wood chopping would be back in a major way at this year's Show, and now they're adding a touch of daredevil to the main arena program.

The old events like whip-cracking and sheep-shearing demonstrations will still be there, but punters can expect the roar of motorbikes, cars and excavators in the arena as Show organisers continue to seriously "shake things up".

Royal Canberra Show chief executive Athol Chalmers said car soccer, freestyle motocross and precision driving were all events that would bring a younger crowd through the gates.

"It's not just our Show but at all Shows - there's a real problem attracting millenials," Mr Chalmers said.

"It's very much a family event and/or people involved in agriculture in some way. But we need to make it an event that's relevant to young people to ensure its future."

Getting the crowd involved in main arena events is also a focus: at this year's Show, licensed excavators will be able to compete in a "duelling excavators" competition for the chance to win $6000. The competition will test the drivers' "precision skills", through tasks like using an excavator to open a beer.

A "Kick for Cash" competition will also be open to general punters.

"On one level, the Royal Canberra Show is fundamentally about promoting agriculture and showcasing agriculture - that's a given - but the other part of the Show is it's a community event," Mr Chalmers said.

"The Show should be an opportunity for the community to get together and show what we've got in Canberra.

"Things are changing ... we're listening to the feedback and designing an event the people of Canberra want."

If the roar of motorbikes isn't quite your thing, you can step out of EPIC's main arena and into brand-new event space Canberra on Show.  Pialligo Estate and Bentspoke Brewery have signed on as stallholders in the new area, which is set to feature 50 stalls in total, including 20 food and beverage stalls.

A stage will be erected in the Canberra on Show area, offering continuous entertainment across all three days of the 2019 event.

The new food and drink offering is designed to stop Canberrans "heading home to the suburbs for dinner at the end of the day".

"That's where our thinking is for sure - we want people to stay here and enjoy experiencing the Show into the evening," Mr Chalmers said.

"If they're not into the traditional offerings then the new offerings are designed to entice them to stay.

"More than 80 per cent of people who come to the Show are from Canberra. If we got 10 to 15 per cent of the catchment area [coming], that would really drive our audiences significantly."

Royal Canberra Show, February 22-24, 2019, Exhibition Park. Tickets and further information at canberrashow.org.au