Balmoral Show 2023: Your guide to what's on at NI's biggest agricultural show
Views (148)
Thousands of people enjoy NI's largest agricultural event as it heads into its final two days.
From sheep shearing to cattle prizes, good food and overdue reunions, thousands of people have been attending the Balmoral Show.
Northern Ireland's largest agricultural event runs until Saturday at Balmoral Park, near Lisburn.
So what can visitors expect?
Here's your guide to what, where, when and how much.
Organisers of the event ask that you purchase your tickets online in advance of travelling to the show.
Alternatively, a box-office facility is available on arrival to deal with any ticket-related issues.
There will be a many animals at the show but no dogs are allowed on site unless they are assistance dogs.
Ticket prices are:
Adult (18-65) - £25.00
Child (5-11) - £4.00
Over 65 - £19.00
Youth (12-18) - £18.00
If you're lucky enough to be under 5, the event is free.
On Friday, expect a busy morning in the cattle rings as the Holstein, Ayrshire, Shorthorn and Jersey Cattle categories are judged, along with the Dairy Young Handler Competition.
The main arena will feature international show jumping, a quad stunt show and an exhibition polo tournament.
Among other highlights, there will be a open blade shearing competition, leading to semi-finals and the decider after 14:00 BST.
On Saturday, the event's final day begins with show jumping in the main arena, followed by plenty to see in the cattle rings and the shearing pavilion.
The pig young handlers get their chance to shine at 12:00, while the Working Hunter Pony Championships takes place in Arena 1 at about 16:00.
A band performance and a display by an Army parachute team closes the four-day show at 17:30.
Cookery classes are putting the spotlight on locally-sourced produce and you can purchase other local offerings at the trade stands on Friday and Saturday.
The Balmoral showgrounds are just outside the city of Lisburn.
If you're coming by train, Lisburn Train station is about 15 minutes away from the event. A complimentary shuttle bus service will run from the station to the event, operating regularly throughout the day.
By car, here's how to get to the show:
From the west and north west: Take the M1 to junction eight and follow the signs
From Lisburn: Take the Moira Road out of Lisburn and follow the signs
From Belfast and the north east: Travel south on the M1, coming off at Sprucefield and follow signs to Balmoral Park
The PSNI advise to leave enough time for your journey and only park in designated areas, while also following the signs and direction of police and marshals at the show.
Sun is forecast for Friday and Saturday, with potential highs of 19C.
The Balmoral Show runs from Wednesday 10 May until Saturday 13 May at the Eikon Centre near Lisburn.
0 Likes