The event is celebrating its 150^th year and organisers have a full program of family fun planned for the next three days.

Gates officially open at 9am on Friday with enough rides, games, agriculture, competitions, food and showbags to keep every member of the family happy.

Thrillseekers will be kept entertained with first-time ride at the show – The Scorpion.

It is the only one of its kind in Australia and has just been transported to Bathurst from Melbourne.

Owner Goldie Milo runs the English-built ride with his wife Sarah and their family, and he said it was one for the adrenaline junkies.

“It’s 3.5 to four g-force and it’s one of Australia’s fastest rides,” he said. “It speeds across the ground and then lifts you 25 foot [7.6 metres] in the air spinning.”

Bathurst Agricultural Horticultural and Pastoral Association (BAH&PA) executive secretary Brett Kenworthy has encouraged the community to come along and celebrate the show’s milestone birthday.

“There’s great entertainment from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave,” he said.

Mr Kenworthy said there was a wide range of free events for the whole family including demonstrations, competitions, the animal nursery and other attractions right across the Bathurst Showground precinct.

A not-to-be-missed event this year will be the Jaws of Death on Saturday evening in the main arena.

“A man will hang 120 foot [36.5m] in the air upside down from a crane with a straight jacket on,” Mr Kenworthy said.

“The Jaws of Death are being held apart by a burning piece of rope. He’s got to get out of his straight jacket before the rope burns through.”

Team D-Max precision stunt drivers will thrill crowds in the main arena on Friday night, while a fireworks spectacular will be held at 8.30pm on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Mr Kenworthy said there had been a definite buzz in the air in the lead up to the 150th Royal Bathurst Show’s official opening.

“I’m just over the moon, the hum is happening and we’re all a bit amazed,” he said.

He encouraged the community to consider purchasing an ‘all show’ ticket which gives people entry every day of the show.

“There’s more than enough to see over three days,” he said.

An ‘all show’ pass for a family of four $104, the equivalent of $8.66 per person per day.

All tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.