The truck show will not be part of this year’s Brighton Show after Brighton Council decided to keep heavy vehicles off Gunn Oval, where trucks damaged the playing surface last year.
The Brighton Show Committee announced the 2026 Truck Show would not go ahead because, under council rules and regulations, “trucks are not permitted on the ovals”.
The committee said it had explored several other areas around the Pontville grounds, but “there is no suitable location available that meets the required safety and space standards”.
In a statement, Brighton Council chief executive James Dryburgh said the Brighton Agricultural Society had assured the council the rest of the show would continue this year.
“This decision follows a situation last year where heavy vehicles displayed as part of the show caused damage to the playing surface of the oval, with repairs amounting to more than $20,000, which was met by the Brighton Agricultural Society,” he said.
“The damage forced rescheduling of cricket games to other ovals for the following two weekends”
“A decision has therefore been made to keep heavy vehicles off the oval.”
Smaller vehicles, including utes, will still be allowed on the oval and the ute show will go ahead as planned.
In April, councillors voted to make the agricultural society pay the full $21,641.31 repair bill over three years. They rejected a staff recommendation to split the cost with ratepayers.
The society had offered $8,000. It argued it could have sourced cheaper materials and machinery through its sponsors had it been given the chance to fix the oval itself.
A council staff member told that meeting the society had been warned before the event that it would be liable.
Councillor Aaron De La Torre, who moved the successful motion, said at the time that “a decision was made on the day against council advice”.
Dryburgh said the council had worked closely with the society so as much of the show’s itinerary as possible could proceed as usual.
“We are strong supporters of the Brighton Show and want as many exhibits and attractions to happen on and around Pontville Park,” he said.
The first Brighton Show was held at a racecourse in November 1946 and moved to the Pontville recreation ground a few years later, where it has been held ever since.
This year’s show is on Sunday, November 8.
