WATCH: 151st Balmoral show officially launched

by Gráinne Connolly

The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) has officially launched the 151st Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank today.

Northern Ireland's largest agri-food event will be returning for four days on 15th-18th May.

More than 650 trade stands will be at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn, the NI Food Pavilion will showcase the best of local produce from around 90 traders, hundreds of competitions and classes are being held as well as a range of family entertainment and attractions.

Alan Crowe, RUAS 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.’’

(Launching the 2019 Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank are Cormac McKervey, Senior Agriculture Manager at Ulster Bank, Rhonda Geary, Operations Director at RUAS, Alan Crowe, RUAS Chief Executive and Nigel Walsh, Director, Corporate & Commercial Banking at Ulster Bank.)

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. Ulster Bank is proud to be associated with an event of this calibre.

"We are looking forward to meeting our customers across the four days of the Show and demonstrating Ulster Bank’s ongoing commitment to a sector that is of the utmost importance for the wider economy.”

🎥 The 151st Balmoral Show was officially launched at the Eikon Exhibition Centre at Sprucefield today. It’s taking place from the 15th-18th May. Here’s one of the organisers Rhonda Geary, Operations Director of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society: pic.twitter.com/k5n5KKBPIG

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 27, 2019

This year, there will be a few new attractions to the Main Arena including 'The Jason Smyth Adrenaline Tour Stunt Show" which showcases motorbike and quad stunts, as well as Celtic Storm Irish dancers. 

The 'Best Dressed Balmoral Style' competition is also making a come back, where the most appropriately dressed country lady and gent will be crowned on the Saturday. 

There's a chance for visitors to go shopping in the Eikon Shopping which will showcase everything from ladies clothing to homeware.

The SPAR Arena, which is ideal for families, will have sheepdog displays and ferret races on show, as well as the Tesco Children's Farm for younger children, where they can hold and feed the baby animals. 

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

Musical acts including Derek Ryan, Garth Brooks and Jason Hughes will be performing, as well the Ennis Brothers and more.

Meanwhile, the Young Farmer's Clubs of Ulster will bring their usual programme to show including Tractor Handling, the Floral Art Competition and the popular Tug of War. 

This year’s Show will run from Wednesday 15th to Saturday 18th May, that’s four action packed days of family fun.