WELCOME TO THE SCHOOLS TRAIL AT BALMORAL SHOW
The 2013 School's Trail will be bigger and better than ever! The trail is designed to be informative, educational and includes interactive stops around the Show. Various exhibitors such as NI Good Food, Dale Farm and others will be 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 guide will lead your group to each interactive point and provide support to your group while attending the Show.
The school rates provide excellent value for money and getting to the Show is easy with a coach drop-off and parking on site. We aim to make this school trip as stress-free as possible for everyone.
To add to this educational field trip, new supporting materials will be provided to download from the website. The booklet is full of educational items, related to food and agriculture and other fun things to do.
HOW TO BOOK
Complete the booking form below; you will be contacted with vosting and availability. Please ensure you complete the form fully,you will then be sent a costing for the Show and if agreed a invoice will be issued to your school or group.
To book click on the link below.
http://treasuretrailsni.wufoo.com/forms/z7x3p3/
Schools Trail Contact Details
Please email Gemma at Email: balmoralschoolstrail@gmail.com
Tel: 028 2564 3741 Mobile: 078145 72570 / 07980 859028
Please note that all groups must be pre booked and prepaid in advance. Payment cannot be accepted on the day.
GENERAL INFORMATION PACK
SCHOOL GROUP PRICES
Pre-school playgroups/ Primary Schools
£70 per group - a group = maximum of 17 children + 3 supervising adults.
£3.50 per additional child
£12 per additional supervising adults.
Secondary School Groups/ Special Needs & Hospital groups
£8 per student/patient
£12 per supervising adult/carer
If you have any questions about the Balmoral Show 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
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
Bigger then ever before with more 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 Rings and find their stalls nearby.
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 Balmoral Park; 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. There are new classes for Shetland Ponies, Coloured horses and Connemara ponies.
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 Poultry Pavilion 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 be found in the Rabbit Pavilion. 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; you’ll probably be able to hear them before you can see them! Sheep Shearing also goes on at the Show in the Shearing Pavilion. The competitions are fast, exciting and great to watch, but get your seat early, as it's always very popular!
Attractions
For full list of attractions go to show features and show stage pages.
Machinery
When walking around Balmoral Park, make sure you visit the large machinery area. There are JCB’s, Catepillar and many more huge pieces of machinery.
Trade Stands
There are over 500 trade stands spread throughout Balmoral Park, exhibiting a wide range of products. Within the shopping pavilion you will find everything from crafts to toys and much much more!
Children's University
This year for the first time ever Balmoral Show has become a validated Learning Destination for the Northern Ireland Children's University. The Children's University is now a global organisation that validates, promotes and rewards children from 5 to 14 years of age for attending great places of learning outside of their normal school day.
Keith Wysner, Director of the Northern Ireland Children's University commented, "We are delighted to validate the Balmoral Show as it is a fantastic destination for all our little learners to experience at first hand and learn so much about agriculture, business, food and the Northern Ireland economy.
We are proud to work with the show and schools and parents who have children who have a Children's University passport should encourage them to bring the passport along and get rewarded for this amazing learning experience." If you would like to find out more about the work of the Children's University just click on their logo.
