NEWCASTLE SHOW OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED

There may be no Show Day holiday in Newcastle this year, but that hasn’t stopped calls for workers to be given the day off.

At today’s official launch, the Newcastle Show Association appealed to local businesses to allow employees to take leave for the opening Friday.

“Friday is really critical to us. Every day is critical but particularly Friday, so we’re hoping the business community will support us.”

Organisers hope 60,000 people will attend the three-day event, which begins on March 4.

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