Feature Competitions - 2026
Selwyn’s Got Talent Quest 2026
Sponsored by Full Monty’s
Win $60 for first place within a class and be in to win for the overall prizes!
Programme: Saturday 17th of October 9:00am to 1:00pm on the Osbourne stage, Ellesmere Showgrounds, Leeston.
This is a fun talent quest where you have the chance to win over $1000 in cash and other prizes, have fun, shine and show your talent!
TALENT QUEST RULES
Junior Section – entrants 14 years and under as of 17th of October 2026.
Senior Section – entrants 15 years and over as of 17th of October 2026.
Open to individual or group entries.
Dance, singing, music, poetry/prose, comedy etc.
Not open to paid professional performers. No Jump Jam teams.
Each act will be allowed a total of four minutes of performance time.
All acts will use only the sound system operator provided however, instrumentalists may bring their own amplifiers if needed.
Once you have submitted your entry you can’t change your item.
When you are deciding on your act and your music – please make sure the act is age-appropriate and language appropriate.
You will be required to perform within the space restriction of the stage space (12m x 5.4m).
Entry fee is $5 per solo act and $10 per group act.
No profanity or swearing in the act. This is family entertainment
2025 Selwyn’s got Talent Overall Winner
SHOW DAY
Check-in 30 minutes before your contest Section at the TALENT SHOW REGISTRATION TABLE.
Be ready to report to the staging area when called AS WELL AS at the end of award presentations.
EVERYONE will report to the staging area after the last contestant in the show and all will go on stage for the announcements of the winners. All awards will be presented at the end of the program.
TALENT QUEST JUDGING
There are 3 judges
The Judging criteria will look at:
Music, Comedy & Prose: Technical Difficulty, Accuracy/Tightness, Interpretation, Stage Presence.
Dance: Choreography, Alignment, Expressing, Timing, Stage Presence.
The judge’s decision is final.
Selwyn’s Got Talent Registration
Registration Deadline: Friday 9th October 2026
Please send all registrations to selwynsgottalent@gmail.com
For Support contact organiser: Emma Dunlop at 028 402 0191 or email selwynsgottalent@gmail.com
The Ellesmere A&P Committee reserve the right to refuse or decline entry.
For updates please check the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ellesmereshow
Wearable Arts Information 2026
PROGRAMME: Saturday 17th of October. Two shows 11:00am and 1:30pm in the HALTER Innovation Marquee.
CREATE A WORK OF ART INCORPORATING OUR THEME (or your own inspiration)
‘Full Steam Ahead’ – Katoa te mamaoa i mua
ENTRY FEE: Junior and youth sections are free, and the open section $5.00 per entry.
PRIZES: Prizes of 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each category
SPECIAL PRIZES: There is a special prize for Best Innovative Accessory and Best use of Recycled Materials, WOW Factor.
The overall winner of Wearable Arts will receive $600 and the WEARABLE ART TROPHY.
WEARABLE ART CLASSES FOR 2026:
Open Section: No restrictions
CLASS 3000 OPEN Junior: Age 7-10 years
CLASS 3001 OPEN Youth: Age 11-17 years
CLASS 3002 OPEN: Age 18+ years
Themed Section: Reflect the show theme: “Full Steam Ahead” in the garment.
CLASS 3003 THEMED Junior: Age 7-10 years
CLASS 3004 THEMED Youth: Age 11-17 years
CLASS 3005 THEMED: Age 18+ years
Steam Punk Section: Include Retro and Futuristic elements
3006 STEAM PUNK Youth: Age 11 -17 years
3007 STEAM PUNK OPEN: Age 18 yrs +
Transformation Challenge Section: Kids
After entering, a mystery bag will be supplied, the child will use any of these items (but not limited to) and upcycle an old item of clothing they supply to transform it into a work of art
3008 TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGE: Junior Age 7 -10 years
WEARABLE ARTS RULES:
All Wearable Art entries must be designed and constructed by the entrant, but may be modelled by someone else
Individual or team entries
Enter garment in only one section
On an A4 piece of paper write a description of your garment, your inspiration and the creative process, materials used, and how it reflects the show theme (if applicable). Include a photo and attach to the garment for judging. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into
Garments to be delivered to the HALTER Innovation Marquee, Wearable Arts is within, ringside between 3:45pm-6pm, Friday 16th October WITH the description attached ready for pre-judging. Outfits and models need to be available for two showings – 11am and 1.30pm
Be dressed ready for the catwalk inside the tent by 10.40am
Only 1 attendant per garment in the changing area please
Prizes to be awarded after the 1.30pm show
Participation in the Grand parade at 3.30pm is optional
Entries made for other shows will be accepted but must not have been winners elsewhere
All other communications to: entries@ellesmereshow.co.nz
Enter on-line at Main-Events.com or email entries to entries@ellesmereshow.co.nz
Wearable Art Registration
Enter/register online: Main-Events.com, email registrations to office@ellesmereshow.co.nz , or post to Wearable Art, c/- Ellesmere Show Secretary, PO Box 17, Leeston 7656
All other enquiries: Please contact Kathryn 027 451 6550 or email lyndonandkathryn@gmail.com
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES – Friday 9th October 2026
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Country Kids Challenge
Sponsored by Cochranes
Get ready to cheer on the next generation of rural champions at the Country Kids Challenge!
Proudly sponsored by Cochranes and organised by Ellesmere College, this exciting event sees local primary schools go head-to-head in a fun-filled, rural-themed obstacle course. Teams will tackle a variety of challenges as they compete for the title of Country Kids Challenge Champions at the 2026 Ellesmere A&P Show.
Packed with action, teamwork and plenty of laughs, the Country Kids Challenge is always a crowd favourite and a fantastic spectacle for visitors of all ages.
Starts: 1:00 pm sharp
Location: In the Cattle ring, behind the Pavilion.
Come along, support our local schools, and enjoy one of the most entertaining events of the day!
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Down to the Wire Fencing
Join us at the Ellesmere A&P Showgrounds for a day of thrilling competition showcasing top fencing talent from across the South Island.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Professional Competition: Watch as 8 skilled contractor teams go head-to-head, racing against the clock to construct a complete fence and gate in just 3 hours (11:30 AM – 2:30 PM). Witness their speed, precision, and craftsmanship in action!
Youth Fencing Competition: Cheer on 8 high school teams competing from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM. This is a fantastic opportunity for young, aspiring fencers to showcase their skills and teamwork in a supportive environment.
Whether you’re a fencing enthusiast or just curious about fencing, this event is a must-see! Come down to the Ellesmere A&P Showgrounds on October 18th and be part of the excitement.
A huge thank you to our generous sponsors:
Rathgen Fencing, Summit Steel & Wire, Goldpine, Strainrite, Buildlink Selwyn, RD Petroleum, New Zealand Fencing Competitions, Cyclone, Taege Engineering, Beattie Insulators and Tuff Blast.
Your support makes this event possible and highlights the importance of community collaboration.
Entries close 25th September
Entries Open NOW!
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Smoke @ the Lake BBQ Challenge Information
Join us for Selwyn’s finest smoking competition in its forth year running. This years competition is being supported by the New Zealand BBQ Alliance.
Competitors range from hobby smokers to pit masters and can compete in a range of classes.
This is the South Island BBQ competition, with teams from the USA, Australia and across NZ.
Full list of rules provided prior to competition.
For any queries, please email smokeatthelake@gmail.com or check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Smoke-At-the-Lake-2025-South-Island-Competition-Ellesmere-AP-Show/61578969453951/
Membership
Become a member. Support your local community and become a member of the Ellesmere A&P Association.
For PAYMENTS prior to 25th September 2026 : Receive a double pass to this year’s event for just $20.00.
Other benefits include preferential membership parking and discounted entry fees for show day exhibitors in some competitions.
Thank You to our Sponsors
