26 March 2014
NEWS
IT’S SHOW TIME - RUAS LAUNCH THE 146th BALMORAL SHOW
Balmoral Park will open its doors for a second year to visitors of the 146th Balmoral Show in partnership with
Ulster Bank.
Tens of thousands of people from all over Northern Ireland and beyond are set to converge on the 65 acre
Balmoral Park for Ireland’s largest agri-food show, running from Wednesday 14 May until Friday 16 May
2014.
According to Royal Ulster Agricultural Society Chief Executive, Colin McDonald, this years’ show is set to
build on the strong foundations laid in 2013, “We were extremely encouraged by the support we received in
our inaugural year at Balmoral Park and we are determined to build upon that success. At the core of the
Show is healthy competition, good sportsmanship, family fun and community spirit. That’s what brings
people back year on year, and we have sought to nurture these elements throughout our planning.”
“We have made some subtle layout changes to the showground, primarily to improve the flow and the overall
experience for visitors.”
Ian Jordan, Director, Corporate Banking Division, Ulster Bank, says: "Ulster Bank is delighted to join with the
RUAS to officially launch this year’s Balmoral Show. 2014 is our sixth year as principal sponsor and offers a
fantastic opportunity to highlight Ulster Bank’s strong support for farmers and the wider agri-food and drink
sector - including our specialist agriculture offerings and our dedicated £1billion for lending which is available
for businesses this year. Last year saw the historic move to the new site at Balmoral Park and we very much
look forward to the Show building on that success in 2014."
The relocation of the Show to Balmoral Park allowed livestock entries to be increased. This year sees the
introduction of five new classes; four equine - Maxi Cob, Young Event Horse, Clydesdale Young Handler and
Ridden Irish Draught – and Lleyn sheep classes.
The daily displays of pedigree and commercial cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs, goats, horses and ponies are
supplemented with an array of static and mobile attractions. Firm favourites such as International Show
Jumping, Pony Club Games, Riding for the Disabled, and the popular Children’s Farm are mixed with some
interesting new features. Bull-erinas - is one such act, which is sure to amuse, or maybe bemuse patrons.
Patrons are also warned against feeding the dinosaurs, but are encouraged to walk with them – watch out
for 8 foot Jurassics shuffling along Barbour Avenue or Nugent Way.
In another first, Balmoral Park will also welcome competitors for the six nation’s sheep shearing competition.
Taking place on Friday 16 May, the Northern Irish team will compete against England, Scotland, Republic of
Ireland, Wales and France to win the coveted title of six nations champion.
No Show would be complete without the energy and enthusiasm of the Young Farmer’s Clubs of Ulster. This
year the YFCU will complement it’s ever popular Tug of War, sheep shearing and ladies five aside football
with drama and the return of tractor handling demonstrations.
Back by popular demand are freestyle motocross stunt team Bold Dog Lings in the main arena, and the
Mountain Bike stunt team, Savage Skills, who will entertain the young and the young at heart within the
activity zone.
There is a treat in store for shoppers, with both the NI Food Pavilion and Shopping Village offering a variety
of excellent local goods and produce.
Food is an integral component of every Balmoral Show, and this year will be no exception.
Looking forward to the event, Michele Shirlow, Chief Executive, Food NI said “The NI Food Pavilion is a
unique food experience where people can enjoy demonstrations from our Taste of Ulster chefs, sampling
and buying local produce from top quality local food and drink companies. The Pavilion provides a unrivalled
Northern Ireland food and drink experience. Following on from the success of the last years Balmoral Show
we will welcome 80 companies (the biggest food Pavilion Balmoral has ever seen) and this includes many
favourites and new companies including Kimeggan Cider, Linen Hill Kitchen & Deli and Flossies Fudge. With
35 Taste of Ulster chefs cooking throughout the three days, and food talks on the Northern Ireland Tourist
Board and Tesco Theatre Kitchens, the NI Food Pavilion is a must visit this year. Don’t miss the regular
cookery demonstrations with talented local chefs including Niall McKenna, Ian Orr and Joery Castel. Then
pick up a Taste of Ulster Guide and NI Food Producers Guide to take home a piece of Northern Ireland’s
food story.”
The Garden Village moves to a new location allowing it to grow and expand. Visitors can wander through
the exciting themed gardens; listen to the music from the band stand, get gardening tips and take in the
atmosphere of the event in the WI Pavilion.
Acknowledging the contribution of sponsors, Colin said, “We are fortunate to have such strong support from
the local business community. We retained 95% of our sponsors from previous years, despite the
challenging economic climate, and have attracted thirteen new sponsors including Kubota, Bottle Green and
Horse First. We are grateful to all of them for their support. We are particularly indebted to our title sponsor
Ulster Bank for their continued commitment to Northern Ireland’s farming and food sector through their
support of the Show.”
Colin concluded by encouraging visitors to consider public transport options when planning their journey to
the Show, “We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to the Show over the course of the
three days. A traffic management plan for the event includes a provision for a new exhibitor and livestock
entrance which will help with traffic flow, but we would strongly encourage visitors to consider public
transport options when planning their journey to the Show. Translink have introduced special train and
coach services. The RUAS will once again provide a complimentary shuttle service operating between
Lisburn Train Station and Balmoral Park. Additional public transport information is available at
www.translink.co.uk/balmoralshow.”
“Motorists are reminded to adhere to all directions given by PSNI to keep road disruption and delays to a
minimum.”
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank takes place at Balmoral Park, Lisburn between Wednesday
14 and Friday 16 May 2014. Opening times are 9.30am – 8.30pm (Wednesday and Thursday) and 9.30am –
8.00pm (Friday). Admission charges range from £2 to £18 depending on circumstances (i.e. child, youth,
adult, full and half day tickets, and group and concession rates). Early bird rates are currently available.
There is no charge for children under 5 years when accompanied by an adult.
Further information on the 2014 programme, exhibitors and attractions can be found at
www.balmoralshow.co.uk.
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For further information contact Tracy O’Toole at RUAS on 028 9066 5225 or email tracy@kingshall.co.uk.