14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Top five things to see and do at this year's Balmoral Show
For food lovers, the NI Food and Drink Pavilion — home to dozens of local artisan producers and a packed programme of demos — is a must-visit.
Visitors can enjoy plenty of free tasting opportunities, and the new Safefood Theatre Kitchen will feature demonstrations from Come Dine With Me star Julie Fitzpatrick.
The popular Tesco Theatre Kitchen — this year hosted by Paula McIntyre and Noel McMeel — will feature cooking demonstrations. And for aspiring young chefs, there will be kids' cooking demonstrations.
JCB dancing diggers
A standout attraction at this year's show is the return of the JCB Dancing Diggers after more than 30 years.
They were last seen wowing crowds when the show was still hosted at the King's Hall in Belfast.
The stunt team will perform thrilling manoeuvres — including pyramid formations, balancing acts and spins — with up to eight machines in a rare, not-to-be-missed display. The JCB Dancing Diggers will perform twice a day in the main arena, showcasing their impressive manoeuvres.
Balmoral show returns for 2025
Family fun in the children's area
The Kids' Farm is a favourite for families, offering children the chance to get up close with animals — including a wallaby this year — while the popular Glenarm mini Land Rovers are set to return.
Along with the funfair and Downtown Show Stage, new attractions like a climbing wall and a sensory activity zone provide even more family-friendly activities to enjoy.
Livestock showcases and competitions
With more than 3,500 animals on site, the show remains Northern Ireland's premier stage for livestock. More than 600 cattle will feature across various classes, alongside sheep, pigs, goats and horses.
The action culminates on Saturday with the prestigious Champion of Champions competition, where the top animals from across all livestock classes — including beef and dairy cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, rabbits and cavies (commonly known as guinea pigs) — go head-to-head for the overall title.
The grand finale takes place in the main arena at 4.45pm, following the traditional cattle parade.
Top-tier equestrian events
The show's equine schedule promises four packed days of showjumping, dressage and working hunter competitions.
National and international show jumping championships at Balmoral are highly anticipated.
A highlight at this year's show is the International Showjumping competition, which includes six international competitions over three days, with a total prize fund of more than €55,000 (£46,250).
