The 2012 Tesco School's Trail is bigger and better than ever! The trail is designed to be informative, educational and includes interactive stops around the Show. Exhibitors such as Tesco, McDonalds, NI Good Food, Dale Farm and others will positioned as stops around the trail and will devote time to trail participants, explaining about what they do.
We hope that through attending the Balmoral Show, children will gain a better understanding about food and agriculture in Northern Ireland as well as having an exciting day out.
A free guide service provided by Treasure Trails will be offered to all primary school and special needs groups on a first come first served basis to help them gain the most from their show visit. This interactive guided tour will last approximately 1 hour 30mins.
The school rates provide excellent value for money and getting to the Show is easy with a coach drop-off point outside the King’s Hall Complex and free coach parking in Harlequins Rugby Club grounds near by. We aim to make this school trip as stress-free as possible for everyone.
To add to this educational field trip, a brand new booklet for primary school children is provided to download from the website. 2012 trail booklet will be available soon! The booklet is full of educational items, related to food and agriculture and other fun things to do.
The booklet can be used before or after visiting to the Balmoral Show.
Balmoral Bunny Colouring-in competition
As an additional bonus to taking part in the Tesco Schools' Trail, we will be running a fantastic competition. The Balmoral Bunny colouring-in competition is open to all primary schools. There will be two age categories P1-P3 and P4-P7. The winning school in each category will win 10,000 Tesco for Schools & Clubs vouchers which can be put towards purchases of computer, sports or electrical equipment for your school from the Tesco for Schools & Clubs catalogue. 1st - 3rd prize winning children will each receive a rosette and goodie bag. Print off the Balmoral Bunny picture below and copy for each child who wants to take part. Closing date for entries is Friday 20th April 2012. Competition rules are on the back of the picture. Remember you must be in it to win it!
Click here to open the competition picture.
HOW TO BOOK
To book your place on the Tesco Schools' Trail please print off the Group Booking Form and return.
Closing date for school group bookings is Wednesday 2 May 2012. Please ensure you have booked before this date to avoid disappointment. Bookings after this date cannot be accepted.
Please note that all groups must be pre booked and prepaid in advance. Payment cannot be accepted on the day.
Click here to download the group booking form
TEACHER'S INFORMATION PACK
2012 pack will be available soon.
SCHOOL GROUP PRICES
Save £10 off your total booking if paid before Thursday 26th April 2012.
Pre-school playgroups / Primary Schools / Special Needs & Hospital Groups
£60 per group (1 group = maximum of 17 children + 3 adults)
£3 per additional child
£12 per additional adult
Secondary School Groups
£8 per pupil
£12 per supervising adult
If you have any questions please contact: Jenny McNeill T: 028 9068 6183 or email jenny@kingshall.co.uk
SHOW FEATURES AND ATTRACTIONS
Please find below details of some of the features and attractions of the Balmoral Show. 2012 list of attractions and show features will be available in April.
Kids Zone
The Kids Zone is located beside entrance Gate F. In this area children, young and old, will find lots to see and do including the Children's Farm, Simulators, RSPB, Funfair Games, Bungee Trampoline and the list goes on!
Children's Farm
Cute, cuddly, baby animals – this is what you’ll find in the Children’s Farm. You’ll be given the opportunity to hold, stroke and even feed the baby animals. You can also get your face painted.
Cattle
The cattle population in Northern Ireland totals over 1.17 million, which is divided between dairy and beef. You will be able to see the cattle being judged in the Cattle Lawn and find their stalls in the Londonderry and Alexander Halls.
Did you know? A dairy cow isn’t just a dairy cow, but is known by a breed. These are the breeds you’ll be able to see at the Show; Dairy Shorthorn, Ayrshire, Jersey and Holstein.
Horses and Ponies
There are many types of horses and ponies to be found around the Showgrounds; in their stables, in the Judging Rings and in the Main Arena.
Horses come in all shapes, sizes and colours and are all as beautiful as the next. See how many different types you can see on your way round the Showgrounds.
Here are some horsey words that you might hear being used:
Foal – a newly born horse
Filly – a young female horse
Colt – a young male horse
Mare – an adult female horse
International Show Jumping
You’ll find show jumping on every day in the Main Arena. This is always fasinating to watch as the horses are so beautiful and graceful as they jump the fences, some of which can be 1.45 metres high.
Pigs
In Northern Ireland, the main breeds of pedigree pig are Large White and Landrace, both of which you’ll be able to see at the Show. There is also a rare breeds section where you may find a Gloucester Oldspot, Saddleback or Berkshire pig.
Poultry
Make sure you stop in at the Harberton Poultry Hall during your visit to the Show. You’ll find over 700 birds of every colour, shape and size and decorated eggs. Why don’t you enter into the decorated eggs section? Details are available in the Livestock Prize Schedule.
Rabbits
Rabbits can also be found in the Harberton Poultry Hall. Most of the animals entered are household pets and their owners just want to show them off!
Sheep
You’ll find most of the sheep in Sheep Fold and Alexander Hall; you’ll probably be able to hear them before you can see them! Sheep Shearing also goes on at the Show in the Sale Ring. The competitions are fast, exciting and great to watch, but get your seat early, as it's always very popular!
Attractions
2012 list of attractions and show features will be available early April.
Machinery
When walking around the Showgrounds, make sure you visit the large machinery area. There are JCB’s, Catepillar and many more huge pieces of machinery.
Rare Breeds
The Rare Breeds Display is where you’ll find all sorts of animals from South Down Sheep to the White Faced Woodlands and the tiny Soays from St Kilda. The animals on display are all rare, endangered and unusual. You may think some of these animals look funny, but that’s what makes them so special. The Rare Breeds display is found within the Alexander Hall and just near to the entrance you will find their shop where you can purchase lots of interesting gifts and goodies.
Trade Stands
There are over 500 trade stands spread throughout the Showgrounds, exhibiting a wide range of products. Within the King's Hall building you will find everything from crafts to toys and much much more!
