Balmoral Show set to dazzle as Northern Ireland's biggest agricultural event returns
On Tuesday organisers, exhibitors and farmers were busy putting the final touches in place.
Running from Wednesday to Saturday, the 156th edition of Northern Ireland's largest agri-food event is shaping up to be one of the busiest yet.
Organised by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), the four day show is expecting 100,000 visitors coming to see over 3,500 livestock and 600 trade stands.
From livestock competitions and showjumping to sheep shearing, artisan food, vintage machinery and live music, there's something for everyone.
Parade rings will showcase the finest farm breeds, while stalls will offer everything from local crafts to cosmetics, all set to the backdrop of live entertainment.
There's plenty to keep younger visitors entertained too, including the Kids' Farm, where little ones can get up close to a variety of friendly animals.
While the Balmoral Show has something for everyone, its heart remains in the farming community.
Rhonda Geary, group operations director with the RUAS, said it will showcase 'everything that's excellent about agriculture'.
'It's just a celebration of everything to do with agriculture,' she said. 'We will have food, farming, our livestock, our horticulture, our equestrian. There's just a bit of everything here at the Balmoral Show.'
Rhonda said that in its 150-year history the show has 'grown and developed', expanding to twice its size since it was staged at the King's Hall in Belfast.
'We have almost 600 trade stands here as well - you can buy a hot tub here, you can book a holiday,' she explained.
She added 'We have the NI Good Food pavilion, where there's over 65 trade stands. We have a nice cookery theatre where we will have people like Paula McIntyre do demonstrations throughout the day.'
The event will showcase over 600 cattle across a range of classes, drawing competitors from across the region.
Rhonda added: 'It's just the highlight of the year, it's the big thing in the agricultural calendar, where all the farmers come together, competing for that red rosette that they all want to take home.'
On Tuesday as the final preparations were being made, farmers were arriving with their cattle, washing and grooming them before carefully settling their prized animals in their show pens.
Gemma McCorry (21) from Ballinderry was among the early arrivals, getting a head start on the busy days ahead.
Back for the first time since the Covid pandemic, Gemma is hoping to showcase her cattle in the junior heffer class this morning.
But this will mean an early start.
'My plan would to hopefully wash her at 4.30 or 5 in the morning and then let her air dry for a bit. Then she'll need blown off and then groomed - the likes of shave and foam and a bit of spray - and I'll have her ready for 9 o'clock.'
But despite the hard work, Gemma, who was there with her family, said she is looking forward to the start of the show.
She said: 'It's a lot of hard work, and you couldn't do it without the society and the craic of all the other people here with you, like my family, there's loads of people here. It's a great week off work.'
David Lest (39), from Armagh, was also busy preparing his Dexter cows and calves for the show — with plenty of help from his daughters, Lily and Sarahjane, who were kept busy caring for the young calves.
'That's their responsibility for the week, they have to look after them,' he said.
This will be the family's third Balmoral Show with the Dexter breed, which he said they were quite fond of, 'especially for the wee ones'.
It's not just cattle on display - visitors can also expect a variety of other animals, including rabbits, poultry and more.
Mark Cairns (31) from Poyntzpass in Co Armagh arrived early and was preparing his four Dutch rabbits, explaining the care they receive ahead of the competition.
'We make sure that they are cleaned, that they have their nails clipped and their teeth are good and are in good condition because these are the things the judges will be looking for tomorrow,' he said.
'You're obviously up against other competitors who have other rabbits in the class to see who will be the best.'
Mark explained his fiance introduced him to showing rabbits after bird flu restrictions prevented poultry competitors taking part.
Once again this year, poultry showing will not take place due to restrictions.
Mark added: 'It's good to see the people we would normally see and show against them but with rabbits and guinea pigs instead of poultry.'
Food lovers can explore dozens of artisan producers in the Northern Ireland Food Pavilion, with plenty of free tastings on offer.
Stephanie Buyers (33), representing Finnebrogue Naked, was among the early traders setting up their food truck.
Planning to sell a selection of bacon, sausages and ham – made without nitrates and free from artificial additives – Stephanie said this was their first time with the truck.
She said: 'I think it's a fantastic set up here at the show, the weather is amazing and we think it's going to be a great turnout.
"We're really excited to get meeting some of our shoppers and get people trying some of our products.'
'From the Food Pavilion you will find loads of local artisan business, loads of local suppliers, some fantastic brands and lots of new ones you don't get to see in the supermarkets.'
The Balmoral Show runs daily from 8.30am to 6pm.
This year visitors can make use of the new event app, which features an interactive showgrounds map, a detailed timetable and full accessibility support.
Full event schedules and parking information are available at www.balmoralshow.co.uk.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, and use public transport where possible, as traffic delays are expected around Lisburn and the A1.
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