Over 70,000 expected to attend Balmoral Show

More than 70,000 people are expected to attend this year’s Balmoral Show which began on Wednesday.

In this, it’s 137th year, the Show, which runs until Friday, will again showcase well-known names and in light of sales generated at previous Balmoral Shows many companies have returned.

The Evangelical Book Club, in particular, have been exhibiting at the Balmoral Show for over 60 years and will take pride of place again this year in the main hall. The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) said they were also delighted to welcome a number of new traders this year including Carryduff Forklifts, Ballykine Garden Centre, Northern Ireland Co-op and Northern Ireland Seafood.

Rachael Kernoghan, NI Seafood said “We visit the Balmoral Show every year and in recent years have been very impressed at the variety of attractions, traders and activities and the thousands of visitors the show attracts year on year.

“We see this as a unique opportunity to further generate public awareness of aquaculture and seafood products.”

Jenny Patton, Trade Stands Co-ordinator, of the RUAS added: “The Society are very proud that the Balmoral Show is viewed as Northern Ireland’s agricultural shop window, accommodating over 300 exhibition stands.

“Every year companies return to exhibit at the Show and this year we welcome many new companies who acknowledge the unique and valuable platform this Show offers for showcasing their goods and produce.”

A new attraction for 2005 is the Equestrian Village, which will offer a variety of goods and services for your ‘ larger four legged friend’. The Craft Village makes a welcome return showcasing a vast array of arts and crafts from handmade jewellery, ceramics, textiles and fine art.

Also making their first appearance at this year’s Balmoral Show are the NI Co-op and the Balmoral Farmers’ Market who will occupy prime sites on the front and back Balcony of the King’s Hall.

(MB/SP)