Balmoral Show Officially Opens

Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the first day of the Balmoral Show.

Ireland's largest agricultural and food show is celebrating its 150th year.

Organisers have revealed plans to mark this year and visitors have be invited to step back in time to see a Special Anniversary Display.

The display will include a photographic timeline showcasing the last 150 shows and there will also be many souvenirs, artefacts and memorabilia.

The show is taking place at the former Maze site just outside Lisburn.

Gates opened at 9.30am on Wednesday, 16 May, and the show will finish on Saturday, 19 May.

Sinn Féin agriculture spokesperson Declan McAleer said: "It is farmers and those in the agri-food industry who will feel the disastrous impact of the Tory-DUP Brexit agenda most than most.

"The British government have done nothing to allay the fears of farmers or those in agriculture.

"Theresa May and the Tories/DUP Brexiteers are committed to dragging the north out of the EU against the wishes of the people who voted to remain.

"The only way to adequately address the concerns of the farming community in the north on Brexit is to secure designated special status for the north within the EU to remain as part of the Single Market and Customs Union.

"There is too much at stake. The north needs special status and Sinn Féin will continue to lead the campaign to secure this."

(CD/LM)