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On this day: Brisbane World Expo 88 opens - Australian Geographic
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Home Blogs On This Day On this day: Brisbane World Expo 88 opens.
In the months leading up to World Expo 88's much-anticipated launch, Brisbanites watched with awe as its monumental infrastructure rose out of the light industry eyesore on the southern banks to create a distinctive skyline opposite the Brisbane CBD.
A severe storm and heavy rains halted progress several weeks before the opening date, 30 April 1988. However, in a flurry last-minute work, Expo '88 opened to the public without delay.
John McGregor who worked at Expo '88 and founded 'Celebrate 88' the commemorative website for the event says: "Expo '88 is a significant event that took place in a significant year." Australia wanted to host a major international event in order to celebrate Australia's Bicentenary.
Expo opened its doors to more than 100,000 people on its first day. Queen Elizabeth II arrived via royal barge from HMS Britannia, which was anchored in the Brisbane River. In her speech to VIPs and dignitaries in the government, she used similes. "While Queensland may be known as 'the sunshine state,' I prefer its original title - Queen's Land.".
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