Looking forward to Balmoral Show

COUNTDOWN TO THE 2022 BALMORAL SHOW

The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) has recently launched the 153rd Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank. This year Northern Ireland’s largest agri-food event returns to its usual date in May and it once again promises to be four funfilled days out for the entire family.

Taking place at Balmoral Park, Lisburn from Wednesday 11th May to Saturday 14th May 2022, the Show will feature a strong presence from many of our leading plant and machinery dealers and manufacturers. Rhonda Geary, Operations Director commented: “Last year we ran the event in September, however we are thrilled to be returning to our usual May date, kicking off the showing season here in Northern Ireland.” In addition to plant and machinery exhibitors, the show will have a number of topclass attractions, including the return of International Show Jumping as well as the return of sheep classes to the line-up. Also returning to the Main Arena will be the RAF Parachute team and Polo Exhibition. This year there will be special performances from a Military Band and as well as an exciting Dog Display during the Show. Visitors can look forward to the return of many family favourites; the Children’s Farm, Downtown Show Stage, Healthy Horticulture Area and BBC Roadshow as well as many mobile family attractions all returning to the showgrounds. This year, the RUAS will also be marking the Queens Platinum Jubilee with a number of special activities across Show days. Rhonda continued: ‘‘We cannot wait to bring Balmoral back for 2022 and as always, the Show promises to be a funfilled day out, with so much to see and do. Whether you’re looking for a family fun, fantastic food or the chance to view exceptional livestock, it’s all in the Show. ‘‘We would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support, especially our principal sponsor Ulster Bank and our platinum sponsors ABP, Marks & Spencer’s, SPAR and TESCO.” Mark Crimmins, Regional Managing Director, Ulster Bank NI, said the return to a fullscale Balmoral Show in 2022 is a mark of the resilience of the farming community. “The Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank continues to be the leading event in the Northern Ireland agricultural calendar and after last year’s hybrid show, there will be a huge appetite to see the return of a full-scale event. “We have supported the RUAS as principal sponsor of the Show since 2009 and are proud to play a role in its continued success. This sponsorship reflects Ulster Bank’s broader commitment to the local agri-food sector and while we know there are many challenges facing the industry, there are also a lot of opportunities.”

The 153rd Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank was launched at Balmoral Park by Operation Director Rhonda Geary.

Representing the show’s platinum sponsors, are George Mullan from ABP, Bronagh Luke from SPAR, Tracey Lowry from M&S, and Michael Crealey from Tesco.

KILWAUGHTER MINERALS

Meanwhile, Kilwaughter Minerals Ltd has come on board this year as a new sponsor. Comments Caroline Rowley, Head of Business Development: “As a local manufacturer, we are thrilled to sponsor Northern Ireland’s largest agricultural event. Kilwaughter Lime is a supplier of Ag-Lime and Bedding Lime to the agri-industry and we enjoy working closely with farmers and are passionate about supporting the farming community. “It’s great to be part of Balmoral, which is a highlight in our calendar and we look forward to exhibiting at the event and getting the opportunity to present our specialist farm solutions, including the recent availability of soil testing packs. We know that Balmoral attracts top quality livestock and with us producing specially formulated user-friendly hydrated bedding lime products, designed for both beef and dairy cattle, we see the Ayrshire Breed Sponsorship as the perfect fit.” BOOTS FIT FOR A QUEEN

The Balmoral Show’s Fill Your Boots competition is back and Show organisers are on the search for green-fingered horticulturists to create a welly boot display showcasing “Boots fit for a Queen” in recognition of the Queens Platinum Jubilee. The free to enter competition has three categories for budding horticulturists of all ages including Pre-School/Primary school, aged 12-17 years old and an over 18 category. Jenny McNeill, Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) commented, “This year we have a very special Jubilee themed ‘Fill Your Boots’ competition and we are on the look-out for the most imaginative planted arrangement using a pair of wellies! Last year entrants excelled within this competition and this year I have no doubt that they will all receive the Royal seal of approval in Healthy Horticulture area at Balmoral Park.”

(L-R) Kevin Havekes, Limestone Sales Manager; Elaine Gilligan, Marketing Manager; Vickie White, RUAS and Jonny Rice, Product Manager. Jenny McNeill and Naomi McCullen launch the ‘Fill Your Boots’ Competition.