It’s Show Time!
Running from Wednesday 14 May to Friday 16 May (8.30am - 8.00 pm daily), the 2008 Balmoral Show will offer its usual extravaganza of colour, competition and showmanship - combining the best of Northern Ireland livestock with agricultural equipment / machinery displays and over 400 trade stands.
Along with daily displays of pedigree horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs and goats, this year’s Show organisers have added a number of interesting new features to the programme.
Good food ambassador and celebrated chef, Jenny Bristow will be delivering live master class sessions within the Food Pavilion. With the support of some of Northern Ireland’s finest food producers, Jenny will be offering audiences top tips on creating healthy, convenient dishes. She will also be available in the Pavilion throughout the Balmoral Show to answer questions from visitors and sign books. Local producers will be offering visitors to the Show the opportunity to sample their fine food and encouraging them to buy of course!
An eight foot robot named Titan will take up residence at this year’s event. Having mastered his communication skills by watching films downloaded onto his hard drive, Titan treats everyone he encounters to a quick one-liner or serenade. This 8ft friendly robot also has a surprising soft side and has a reputation as a bit of a cry baby!
Bringing some thrills and spills to the main arena will be the UK’s top comedy car stunt show, Dingle Fingle and the Clown Town Crimewatch. Sponsored by John Mulholland Motors, their twice daily show is full of slapstick fun and stunts, and features a replica 1920s Aston Martin, a 250cc Quad, a 30 gallon mobile water cannon, two zany clowns and some serious precision driving. Audience participation is required, so visitors should be prepared to join in the antics.
Tots to teens will be entertained within the dedicated Kids Zone. Young Show visitors have an opportunity to hold, stroke and even feed the baby farm animals at the Asda Childrens’ Farm, and get acquainted with a range of freshwater fish including trout, bream and carp at the Touch Tank supplied by Northern Ireland charity, Angling First.
The brave hearted can test their coordination skills on the bungee trampoline, rodeo bull and simulators. Both children and adults alike can put their physical strength to the test, under the supervision of fully qualified staff as they try out the 25ft climbing/abseiling wall sponsored by the David Jameson Group.
Back by popular demand is the Garden Village – a tranquil area dedicated to the gardener. Anyone with, or wishing for, ‘green fingers’, will benefit from a visit to the Garden Village. Expert horticulturalists will be holding gardening demonstrations each day of the Show, covering a variety of subjects including hanging baskets, and offering advice and guidance. Exhibitors in the Village include Hillview Garden Centre, Leamore Nursery, Finnis Organic Worms, Clarke Cunningham Tree Maintenance and Ulster Bee Keepers Association.
Other firm favourites and regular features include the rare breeds, dog agility competition, pony club games, Riding for the Disabled, the sheep dog and duck display, and sheep shearing contests. Equestrian lovers will have an opportunity to view the International Show Jumping competitions, Inter-hunt chase and the Northern Ireland Dressage Display.
Speaking at the launch of this year’s show, RUAS chief executive, Colin McDonald said,
"The Show is renowned for presenting the cream of Northern Ireland Livestock and for its extensive trade exhibits, and this year is no exception. We continue to broaden the programme to reflect the differing tastes of our diverse audience.”
The Balmoral Show runs from Wednesday 14 May – Friday 16 May 2006. It is open from 8.30am – 8.00pm daily. Admission charges range from £5 to £15 depending on circumstances (ie full and half day tickets, group and concession rates). There is no charge for children under 12 years when accompanied by an adult.
