70,000 expected at Balmoral Show

Local & National

Nicola Gaffey, from Hllmount Gardening who provide flowers for the Balmoral Show

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

By Linda McKee

Ireland's biggest agricultural show opened for business today and it is " bursting at the seams", according to organisers.

More than 70,000 people are expected to flock to the Balmoral Show at the King's Hall in Belfast over the next three days and motorists have been warned to leave extra time, expect delays and be aware of the ongoing roadworks on the M1/Westlink.

Brian King, the new president of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) which organises the show, said many livestock entries have had to be turned down because of the high demand. He added that because of the show's growing popularity RUAS is now looking for a larger venue to accommodate it in the future.

"We're bucking the trend in agriculture, which is that it hasn't been flavour of the month recently — but the showmen are coming out in strength this week. Pre-sales of tickets have been running extremely well and fingers crossed that everything goes to plan this week."

The King's Hall itself will be packed with stalls along with all the livestock areas, Mr King said.

"The cattle ring is packed — we had to cut back some entries because we were over-subscribed. The horse boxes are all filled and the sheep fold will be full for the three days. It all augurs for a super event."

While RUAS is looking at options for larger sites to accommodate the show, the Maze is still the frontrunner, he said. "It's now in the ball courts of the politicians to sort it out. We're looking at a lot of options but this would be the main players at the scene. We're certainly bursting at the seams at the minute — we couldn't take another animal or another horse or another sheep."

This year's highlights include the Food Pavilion which has expanded on last year when it was first launched.

The show is themed round the 'Good Food is in Our Nature' campaign and celebrity chef Jenny Bristow will be present to demonstrate ideas and provide advice.

The show also features more than 400 trade and machinery stands, a host of livestock and equestrian entries and all sorts of family friendly activities, including the clown car display, the children's farm, the sheep and duck dog display and the falconry, he said.