On with the Show!

4th Aug 2021

The countdown is on to this year’s Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank, taking place from Wednesday 22nd to Saturday 25th September 2021 at Balmoral Park Lisburn. 

Following the successful rollout of the vaccination programme along with the ongoing easing of restrictions in Northern Ireland, the Balmoral Show organisers are confident that the Show will run safely in September.

Show organisers have implemented a number of COVID safety measures after consultation with relevant Government departments and their Healthy and Safety Advisors to ensure the event meets the criteria in order to proceed safely.

To ensure the safety of all who attend, as a condition of entry to this year’s Show, visitors are being asked to demonstrate their COVID-19 status on entry by providing ONE of the following;

  • Proof of full vaccination- both doses received ( with the second at least 14 days prior to the event) OR
  • Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken no more than 48 hours prior to your arrival at the event (including children 11 years and older)OR
  • Proof of natural COVID antibodies based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the event ( including 10 days self-isolation following the result)

In addition, the following measures have been planned to reduce the risk of COVID transmission during the Show. Safety measures include:-

  1. Monitoring the number of visitors each day with day specific tickets sold in advance of the event.
  2. Space to socially distance throughout the showgrounds including wider aisles and roadways.
  3. The provision of signage, PA announcements and stewards to encourage social distancing and reinforce good COVID practices.
  4. Promoting socially distanced queuing systems.
  5. Hand sanitising stations will be available at key locations throughout the Showgrounds.      
  6. Additional cleaning staff will be engaged to regularly sanitise touch points
  7. Ventilation will be increased where practicable in all indoor areas
  8. One way systems will be encouraged where practicable
  9. Revised arrangements at catering and bar facilities will be in place
  10. The grandstand seating to the main arena has been replaced with a tiered standing platform and marked for social distancing.
  11. Face coverings are required to be worn in all indoor areas.
  12. Visitors will be encouraged to use cashless transactions where possible.

Speaking about this year’s Show, RUAS Chief Executive, Dr Alan Crowe commented, “We are excited to welcome visitors back to Balmoral Park for the 2021 Balmoral Show, after having to cancel last year’s Show due to the Covid-19 pandemic and following the postponement of this year’s May Show.

“The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society staff and committees have been busy planning the 2021 Balmoral Show. This year there are a number of necessary COVID safety measures implemented to ensure the health and wellbeing of all our visitors, exhibitors, stewards, officials and contractors.

He continued “We are looking forward to four fun-filled days out for all the family, with so much to see and do, there really is something for everyone.  Whether you’re looking for a family day out, fantastic food or the chance to see exceptional livestock displays, it’s all in the Show!”

Tickets are already selling fast and are available to purchase online at www.balmoralshow.co.uk. Tickets for his year’s Show are day specific and must be purchased in advance.Opening hours for the 2021 Show have changed to facilitate shorter daylight hours. The Show will now operate from 9.30am to 6.00pm (Wednesday 22nd to Friday 24th September) and 9.30am to 5.00pm (Saturday 25th September).