Perth Royal Show fireworks extravaganza to celebrate 70 years

The Perth Royal Show will celebrate 70 years of fireworks this year – and our guests are in for a treat – the biggest and best fireworks show to date – to be released from over 100 locations across the main arena!

Cardile Fireworks have proudly produced Perth Royal Show’s nightly pyrotechnics and musical spectacle for seven decades.

The fireworks display is possibly the most well-known and iconic entertainment at the Show, contributing to the fun and exciting atmosphere and bringing kids, families and friends together alike.

Three generations of Cardiles have been involved in producing the Royal Show displays at Claremont Showground – Jim Cardile, his son Rob Cardile and grandson Jimmy Cardile.

Cardile Fireworks are WA’s longest running fireworks specialists – their shows span five generations of Cardiles, dating back to 1909 when the family patriarch Gaetano Cardile emigrated from Italy.

Jim, Rob and Jimmy share memories of the family starting out at the Osborne Park Agricultural Show, the area where they first lived.

Jim tried his hand at fireworks at age 14 and worked on his first show at the Claremont Showground the following year. The Cardiles have done so ever since, as well as at presenting fireworks at Claremont Speedway. Jim is now 85.

Early displays at the Show often incorporated ‘set pieces’ of animal shapes. At the time, rubbish trucks were used to move the fireworks onto the arena, something Rob is glad no longer happens.

Today, the Cardiles specialise in working with agricultural displays all over the state, about 50 every year. Cardile Fireworks are now a feature at over 200 events annually across WA. Rob says the Perth Royal Show Fireworks are their biggest and most loved event of the year.

Rob Cardile, Manager Cardile Fireworks, says: “The Royal Show is very special, like family for us. We have a team of 30 people that work over two shifts.  The fireworks get collected from Preston Beach near Bunbury and are back at the Showgrounds by seven in the morning.  Then the day shift of 15 starts, later a night crew come out.  We work closely with the EOC to be escorted in the ground.

“The 2024 Perth Royal Show invites you to immerse yourself in a sensory spectacle like no other. This year, the Perth Royal Show is set to ignite the night sky with the largest and most spectacular arena fireworks display in its history. Spectators will be treated to a nightly pyrotechnic extravaganza, launched from an unprecedented 100 locations across the main arena.

“This year, we’re bringing the magic closer than ever, with pyrotechnics launching from all corners of the main arena creating a never-before-seen immersive pyrotechnic experience. Prepare to feel the thrill as the sky above you erupts in a kaleidoscope of colours and pyrotechnic patterns.

“The dazzling array of fireworks and pyrotechnics will light up the night and the rhythmic booms and crackles will resonate in the air, creating a symphony of sound that echoes the visual spectacle. So, whether you’re a child witnessing your first fireworks display, or an adult who’s seen them a hundred times, the 2024 Perth Royal Show promises a unique and mesmerizing experience that will leave you in awe. The “Sky Theatre” awaits you!”

Recent research conducted by independent consultancy Painted Dog Research* indicates that:

• 97% of patrons know of the Perth Royal Show fireworks
• 92% of teenagers attending the show come to see the fireworks.
• 82% of patrons aged 18 to 29 without children attend to see the fireworks.
• 76% of mature families attend to see the fireworks.
• 84% of patrons say they extremely enjoyed the fireworks display (rated 8-10 out of 10)
• The fireworks are the top attraction for those who attend the show with the intention of watching them.
• Only 13% of show attendees know that Cardile fireworks are our long-standing fireworks partner.

* Source: Perth Royal Show Experience and Stakeholder Research – Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia (Painted Dog Research, 14th November 2023)