With them they’ll bring whirling machinations, galactic webs of innumerable lights, the pulse of show tunes and, of course, showbags.

The guild, one of the oldest in the world, now has fifth generation families criss-crossing the country to delight the crowds as their ancestors have done since 1908.

One such person is guild vice-president Gary Johnson, whose mother and grandmother were showpeople in Germany before emigrating to Australia.

“It’s the only life I’ve known,” Mr Johnson said.

Mr Johnson said his newest ride, The Avenger, will be a major head-turner when it makes its Maitland show debut next weekend. 

“It’s a mobile version of Dreamworld’s Wipeout,” he said.

“It can be a slower, family suitable ride in the day but, at night when the teenagers and older people come out, it can be adjusted up to give them a real thrill.”

A proud sense of tradition, heritage and connection to Australian life is clear in the guild. 

But so is a sense of forward momentum and excitement – a sign the bright lights and showmanship won’t burn out anytime soon.

“Side-show alley has changed dramatically during the last ­century,” the guild’s website reads.

“Gone is the manually driven Razzle Dazzle, the wooden Helter Skelter, the petrol driven Horse-o-Plane and the Tent Show.

“Today, the children’s rides include the ever popular carousels and the very latest rides the market has on offer. 

“The young and young at heart are catered for with cutting edge, state of the art, computerised light bejewelled, push button wonders to behold. 

“They propel riders at all angles and in every direction as is possible to move, sometimes all at once. 

“Members are forever upgrading their equipment, for although the camaraderie is deep and strong, the competition is very real, keeping the industry vibrant and buzzing with excitement.”