THE 2018 Balmoral Show is set to be "bigger than ever" as the popular event celebrates a landmark 150th anniversary.
Northern Ireland’s largest agri-food show will return to Balmoral Park from May 16-19, with a mix of food farming and family fun throughout the four days.
The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) launched the 150th show last week in partnership with Ulster Bank and once again confirmed it will continue with the longer format following the success in 2017. This year's show will also extend in size, as a new, permanent covered exhibition space which will complement the existing Eikon Exhibition Centre, will offer 4,000 sqm of additional exhibition space. The Dr E F Logan Hall will be operational in time for this year’s show and will house the cattle throughout the 2018 event, replacing the former cattle marquee.
Speaking at the launch, RUAS chief executive, Alan Crowe said: "We are thrilled to launch our 150th Balmoral Show, this is a very special year as we celebrate this landmark anniversary and hope that visitors will enjoy commemorating with us. Although there have been significant changes in the past 150 years, the essence of Balmoral Show has very much remained the same, whether your interest is farming, local food, shopping or family fun, the show continues to deliver a unique day out and that’s what continues to bring visitors back year on year and has allowed the event to reach this milestone."
"Following the success of last year’s four-day event, which saw visitor numbers reach an all-time high, we are determined to continue and build on that success, in partnership with our principal sponsor, Ulster Bank. The 2018 Show will be bigger than ever, with an increase in both size and scale and our 150th anniversary plans to look forward to. We are also delighted to see an increase in many livestock sectors, new attractions, new stands and more than ever to see, do and enjoy."
Head of Ulster Bank Northern Ireland, Richard Donnan said they are delighted to be an integral part of the "fantastic event".
"Balmoral Show encapsulates everything that is great about our local food and agriculture industries and sponsoring the show for a tenth time symbolises our continuing strong support for this hugely important sector. We will be at the show to demonstrate the real and meaningful help that we can provide to our customers in these sectors and beyond."
The 2018 Balmoral Show runs from Wednesday, May 16 to Saturday, May 19. Discounted pre-show tickets are available to purchase online now from balmoralshow.co.uk. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit balmoralshow.co.uk.
