Royal Melbourne Show Opens

Show organisers, exhibitors and entertainers yesterday put the final polish on preparations for the Royal Melbourne Show, which starts today.

Thousands are expected to attend today's Discovery Day, which kicks off the 11-day revamped event.

But some things remain the same: show bags, the ferris wheel, the historic Garryowen Equestrian Turnout, and the pie in the sky.

The Live At Night music festival starts at 7pm with bands Ninety Nine, Gersey, and ARIA-nominated Clare Bowditch and the Feeding Set.

Entry to Live At Night is free with your ticket.

The Country Women's Association is among those drinking to a new era of the Royal Melbourne Show.

For the first time, the CWA women will serve alcohol at their fundraising restaurant during the Show.

The CWA has catered for Show crowds for about 70 years. Starting this year, it will offer wine with dinner and stay open for an hour longer than usual, until 10pm, so that customers can enjoy a tipple after a long day spent lugging show bags.

CWA Victoria president Noela MacLeod said the CWA wanted to be modern. "We are chicks with attitude," Ms MacLeod said. "We are in the new premises and it is a new era."

Source: www.news.com.au