Balmoral Show 2019 launched

The 151st Balmoral Show has been officially launched.

Taking place at Balmoral Park, Lisburn from 15-18 May 2019, the event is Northern Ireland’s largest agri-food event.

Alan Crowe, Royal Ulster Agricultural Society Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted to officially launch the 2019 Balmoral Show.

"With just seven weeks until our doors open we are excited about all that this year’s show has to offer visitors.

"The Show continues to grow every year with many exciting new additions and this year is no exception.

"Of course local agriculture remains at the heart of Balmoral and we are thrilled to see a marked increase in many of the livestock sectors; competition will be fierce for the prestigious Balmoral titles."

With more than 650 trade stands to browse, the NI Food Pavilion showcasing the very best of local produce, hundreds of competitions and classes, and a wide range of family entertainment and attractions, it’s not to be missed.

The launch event at the Eikon centre saw performances from Irish Country Music duo The Ennis Brothers.

Owen and Matthew told Downtown Cool FM what fans can expect when they perform on the Downtown stage during the show:

There are many new attractions taking place in 2019 including ferret racing, sheepdog trials, circus workshops and an adrenaline Tour Stunt Show, featuring motorbike and quad stunts in the main arena.

Another new act, Celtic Storm Irish Dancers will also entertain crowds.

Also new for 2019, is the return of the 'Best Dressed Balmoral Style.'

Operation's Director Rhonda Geary said:

"We are re-introducing our Best Dressed competition, our most appropriately dressed country lady and gent.

"That'll be on the Saturday of the show and there are some brilliant prizes up for grabs there.

"Lots of tweed rather than dresses and fascinaters it's more the country-type style we're going for.

"That will be the Downtown show stage on the Saturday afternoon."

Judge and Host, Cool FM’s Rebecca McKinney will crown the winners, registration is on the day.

The Eikon Shopping Village offers top class shopping with a wide array of products to browse, from ladies clothing to homeware and much more.

The FSB Business Pavilion provides a platform for agri related businesses to network over the four days.

Family fun is in the SPAR Arena, and for much younger visitors, the Tesco Children’s Farm is offering the chance to hold and feed the baby animals.

The Fun Fair is also a highlight for the Show’s younger visitors.

Nigel Walsh, Director, Corporate & Commercial Banking, Ulster Bank, said: "The Balmoral Show encapsulates everything that is great about our local food and agriculture industries and, after 10 years as the Show’s principal sponsor, we believe this partnership brings Ulster Bank even closer to our customers operating in these sectors and makes it easier for us to show how we can meet their needs.

"Throughout the last decade, the Show has significantly broadened its appeal without losing its roots in agriculture – it showcases NI’s farm-to-fork processes really well along with being a fantastic family day out.

The Downtown Show Stage will be home to impressive musical acts including, Derek Ryan, Ireland’s Garth Brooks- Jason Hughes, The Ennis Brothers and many more.

The Young Farmer’s Clubs of Ulster bring their usual engaging programme to this year’s Show, including, Tractor Handling, the ever popular Tug of War and the Floral Art Competition.

The Healthy Horticulture Area continues to develop, highlights include CAFRE’s marquee which showcases career prospects within the Horticulture industry. The Horticulture Forum’s Growers Marquee, housing local growers of fruit, vegetables and cut flowers. The Tasting Theatre focusing on supplying visitors with simple and healthy dishes centred on local fruit and vegetables.

Alan concluded by saying, ‘‘Balmoral promises a fun-filled day out, with so much to see and do there really is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a family day out, fantastic food or the chance to see exceptional livestock displays, it’s all in the Show.

‘‘We are as always indebted to our sponsors for their continued support, especially our principal sponsor Ulster Bank and our six platinum sponsors Lidl, M&S, SPAR, Tesco, ABP and Fane Valley."

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