Balmoral Show 2024: Everything you need to know before you go

Are you heading to the show this week? 🐮🐷🐔

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 14th May 2024

The 155th Balmoral Show, held on the former Maze site just outside Lisburn, is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors over the next few days (15-18th May).

It's the BIGGEST event on the calendar for agriculture fans each year, filled with fantastic local food, a bustling exhibition centre, trade areas, breathtaking performers and so much more.

How to get tickets to the Balmoral Show:

Tickets should be purchased online pre-Show to avoid queues on admission. Online advance tickets are sold at a discounted rate.

Visit balmoralshow.co.uk to purchase tickets.

What will the weather be like at the Balmoral Show this year?

With much of the site outdoors, it's important that the rain stays away! According to the Met Office...

Wednesday: Mainly dry with early mist patches soon dispersing to leave a bright day with sunny spells and perhaps a few afternoon showers. Feeling warm in the sun with light winds. Maximum temperature 20 °C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: A lot of dry weather with some warm sunshine. Also the risk of a few heavy showers each afternoon. Mostly light winds.

Can I park my car at the Balmoral Show?

Car parking is £10 per car. Please note, car parking can be paid by cash only.

What to look out for at Balmoral Show…

Pick up a copy of the free Map & Timetable when you arrive at the Show for a full list of events across the site.

Get up close with your farm favourites

The Children's Farm showcases an abundance of cute, cuddly baby farm animals. Children are given the opportunity to hold, stroke and even feed the baby animals provided by Ark Open Farm.

Entertainment around every corner

As you walk throughout the showgrounds, you're bound to bump into street performers with colourful costumes, comedy and silly antics.

Downtown's Show Stage will be jiving

Back by popular demand, Downtown Radio's very own show stage will have performers and singers throughout the day, for four whole days.

Presenters such as Kirstie and Coley, Caroline Fleck, Neal McClelland, Victoria Quinn and Lisa McHugh and Cool FM's Evanna Maxted will also be there.

The first 3 days will see our first Downtown Star of the Show talent competition from 3pm on the stage - come on down and watch some of NI's top performers battle it out!

Plus Kat Walker will be judging the Best Dressed competition on Saturday afternoon, so why not call down and say hello!

A feast for the eyes in the NI Food Pavilion

Local food and drink companies showcase the very best of local produce in the NI Food Pavilion. Some of the brands include Betty's Ice Cream, Symphonia Spirits, Country Kitchen and Thompson's Tea.

Annual Sheep Shearing competition

It is fast, exciting, and very competitive – if you've never witnessed a live sheep shearing competition, you're missing out! Keep an eye out for times for this, as it's incredible to watch LIVE.

Attractions in the Main Arena

Packed with many exhilarating attractions over the four days, the Main Arena is home to the RAF Parachute, Military Band, The Paul Hannam – Quad Bike Stunt Show and Polo Exhibition.

Read more:

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How to listen to Downtown Country:

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for Country music, Downtown Country on online, on the Rayo app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Downtown Country’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the best Irish and American country music, from Victoria Quinn in the morning, to Big T’s legendary evening Country show.