Balmoral Show receives Royal approval

The Queen has paid a visit to the Balmoral Show on the opening day of the event, which is Ireland's largest show for the agricultural sector.

Based in the King's Hall in south Belfast, the Balmoral Show is taking place from Wednesday 15 to Friday 17 May. Cancelled last year due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, visitors to this year's event can see the Golden Jubilee Display which commemorates Her Majesty's 50 year reign.

The 32 acres of the King's Hall Complex also plays host to a wide variety of exhibits, events and attractions, and the 2002 Show is expected to draw its biggest crowds ever, to see the displays of prize-winning farm animals, including Rare Breeds, agricultural technologies and methods, and to sample a range of food products.

Equestrian fans can enjoy the Show Jumping and Horse Showing classes while man’s best friend will also get a chance to impress with the Dog Agility and Working Gun Dog displays.

There are also over 300 trade stands, offering previews of the latest construction and agricultural machinery, and the Horticultural Pavilion, which is described as "a must-see for gardeners".

Bill Yarr, Chief Executive of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), commented: "The Balmoral Show has been running for over 130 years and has developed into one of the cornerstones of agricultural life here. Therefore, the absence of last year’s Show was sorely noted, not just among the agricultural community but among our non-farming visitors also. We are thrilled to return this year with a reinvigorated Show, which we are confident will restore optimism as well as generate renewed interest in this core NI industry."

(CL)