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Last updated 18th May 2018
It's all go for motorcycling and agricultural fans.
Large crowds are expected to descend upon Balmoral Showgrounds and the north coast this weekend.
The Met Office expect the dry and bright weather to continue with sunny spells at times and temperatures warming up.
You won't need to bring an umbrella or rain coat, but you will need sunscreen, which makes a pleasant change.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BALMORAL SHOW
When does the event start?
Northern Ireland’s largest agri-food event returns to Balmoral Park from May 16th-May 19th and will once again extend to four days, following on from the success of last year.
The milestone anniversary show promises all that is great about Balmoral, with an exciting mix of food, farming and family fun.
The event attracts 30,000 visitors each day, organisers are expecting large crowds so advance planning is advisable.
Show opening times each day
Wednesday 9.30am - 6pm, Thursday 9.30am - 8pm, Friday 9.30am - 7pm and Saturday 9.30am - 6pm.
Getting there via bus, train or taxi: Translink is providing a free and frequent shuttle bus service running between Lisburn Train Station and the showgrounds from 9.00am – 6.20pm (Wed & Sat) / 8.20pm (Thurs) / 7.20pm (Fri).
For Enterprise customers travelling between Dublin and Belfast, there will be extra services stopping at Lisburn on each day of the show.
Coach day tours are available to purchase online and from selected Ulsterbus stations departing Derry~Londonderry, Limavady, Strabane, Omagh, Enniskillen, Dungannon, Antrim, Magherafelt, Ballymena, Ballymoney and Coleraine.
For further travel information including ticket purchase click www.translink.co.uk/balmoralshow2018 or call 028 9066 6630
There are also taxi services available from the main entrance and at the Eikon Exhibition Centre.
Can I park on site?
Yes. There is ample provision for car parking. It will cost £8 per day per car and £12 per day per coach.
How much are tickets?
Adult (18+) £20, Youth (12-18 years) £13, Seniors (65+) £16, Child (5-11 years) £3.
Children under 5 years are free.
All tickets are valid for one day, proof of age may be required.
What’s on offer?
Ireland’s largest agri-food event promises to be bigger and better than ever before with fantastic arena and livestock attractions including fun for all the family. There will also be a Downtown Radio Show Stage showcasing four days of homegrown musical talent.
The Main Arena has many attractions throughout the four days of the show. This year The Bolddog Lings, UK's No1 motorcycle display team, make a welcome return. Based on the latest extreme sports action the show features the UK's top ranked freestyle motorcross riders. Showgoers will enjoy a breath-taking performance with adrenaline and excitement guaranteed.
Other attractions in the Main Arena include the exciting Pony Club Games, thrilling Inter Hunt Chase and the Under 10 Show Jumping Championship.
The Main Arena is also home to International Showjumping classes at the show as well as the stunning parade of cattle which showcases winners and breeds.
Click here to download the full timetable of events happening each day
The new Balmoral Show 2018 app is a must-have app for anyone going to the show.
Plan your visit with an event planner and avoid getting lost in the car park with a ‘Find My Car’ feature and more.
What is the best time to avoid the queues?
The Balmoral Show attracts big crowds. This will inevitably result in delays entering the site at peak times. Using public transport can enhance your journey. Our best advice is to arrive early – gates open at 9.30am - and purchase advance tickets.
Can I leave & re-enter the showground during the day?
Yes, please ask the attendant on the gate to stamp your hand.
What if I need to hire a mobility scooter?
To hire a mobility scooter for the Show contact Fair Price Mobility on 0785017562.
Can I bring my dog?
Balmoral Show operates a strict no dogs policy with the exception of those taking part in displays or assistance dogs. Visitors with dogs will not be able to enter the venue.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NORTH WEST 200
Road racing fans are gearing up for a huge weekend on the Triangle Circuit.
The North West 200 attracts the finest line-up of road racers of any race on the planet, drawing thousands of visitors to the superfast 8.9 mile circuit that links the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine.
Hitting top speeds of over 200mph, racers like Guy Martin, Michael Dunlop and John McGuiness thrill 85,000 fans who come to enjoy the week long festival of speed.
Circuit Map & Vantage Points
There are a total of 15 vantage points to get the best view of the action. Each is close to refreshments and toilet facilities
NW200 Getting There and Parking Information
Motorists attending the practice sessions and race events are urged to arrive in good time and expect delays. This year's event is expected to attract record crowds.
Official car parks are located beside the competitors paddock on the golf course and beside the Inn on the coast.
Disabled parking is available on a first come basis.
Cars - £10 per day, Bikes - £5 per day
Car parks are strictly for the use of cars and bikes only
Racegoers are encouraged to avail of public transport to avoid traffic congestion.
Full details of the North West 200 timetable are available online at www.translink.co.uk/nw200 or passengers can call Translink on 028 9066 663.
When are the main races happening?
There are eight races over four classes – Superstock, Superbike, Supertwin and Supersport.
Tuesday and Thursday morning's practice begins from 9.15am to 3.00pm with three races on Thursday, 5.00pm – 9.30pm and five races on Saturday 9.15am – 9.00pm.
Download the North West 200 free app – keep up to date with the latest news and results.
Main talking points of this year's races
The 2018 North West 200 looks set for a rematch of last year’s epic battle between Glenn Irwin and Alastair Seeley in the feature superbike race
Michael Dunlop will be determined to tear up the Irwin/Seeley script.
Three-time winner Ian Hutchinson makes his return to road racing after breaking his leg in a Senior TT crash last June.
Also on this year's line-up is Peter Hickman, Michael Rutter, Lee Johnston, Dean Harrison and many more.
Triple World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea will take to the grid to ride a parade lap on Saturday.
Making the most out of the weekend
The North west 200 is set against the stunning backdrop of the Causeway Coast where there is something for everyone to do including the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-rede- Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle. Add to this the many set locations where the Game of Thrones series is filmed and the miles of beautiful beaches there is plenty to enjoy