Rodeo club president Kelvin Duke said there were 375 entrants, up from 287 last year, set to appear in events such as bull riding, bareback riding, bell racing and the saddle bronc.

“There’s a lot more interest from the younger people, those aged from 16 upwards,” he said.

He added the second division bull riding, which involved competitors with one to two years experience, had benefited from an influx of fresh talent.

More well-known performers will include New Zealander Fraser Babbington, who has won Australian bull riding titles, and top saddle bronc rider Brad Pierce.

Competition tomorrow will start at 6pm and continue until 10pm.