27 April 2017
Plans are very much underway for this year’s Ballymena Show being held on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th May 2017. The show was launched last week at the annual press reception held at Eaton Park Rugby Club.
Chairperson, Robert Dick welcomed all to the reception with a particular thanks to all the sponsors of the event and the many volunteers who give of their time freely to ensure the show continues to be successful. Robert also said he was delighted that Bank of Ireland UK continue as the Premium Sponsor of the show and has developed a relationship between the two parties and also the agricultural sector as a whole.
Speaking at the launch Agri Manager for Bank of Ireland UK Richard Primrose added, “Bank of Ireland UK is proud to be premium sponsor at Ballymena Show for another year which promises to be a very enjoyable family day out. The show has a long history supporting and promoting the farming community within the local area, highlighting the importance of food and farming to the local economy.
“We understand the importance of developing strong working relationships to help enable farmers and food producers grow and strengthen their businesses for future generations and for the good of the local economy. The local Bank of Ireland team and I look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand.”
With the livestock sections of the Show it remains very much as business as usual. The Cattle Section are delighted to announce that they will be hosting the Beef Shorthorn National Show which will be a major success for the show and also encourage greater participation within these classes. Also returning for a second year, and building on last year’s success, is the NI Simmental Society’s Heifer Championship with additional prize money on offer.
With the Sheep section, which continues to grow year on year, we are delighted that not only are we continuing with the two new breeds introduced last year, the Suffolk Cheviot and Blue Texel, but also the NI Suffolk Sheep Society Finals will be hosted for the first time at Ballymena.
Within the Horse section the Working Hunter Pony classes will continue in it’s Friday night slot commencing at 5pm and additional this year sees the introduction of the Irish Draught Class. Within the Show Jumping Section the non-registered jumping continues for a second year.
The Home Industries section continues to grow in support and we welcome entries from local schools, WI and nursing homes alongside all our other competitors. The County Antrim Competition continues however this year it is based on a Victoria Sandwich and will see the winners from Ballymena, Ballymoney and Antrim show go forward when an overall winner will be selected. Floral Art sections continues with an overall theme of country life.
Also this year sees the introduction of the most appropriately dressed person at the Show so we encourage all to dress up and enter this fun competition.
As in previous years, Ballymena Show fully appreciates the importance of our young people within the agricultural sector who are very much the future of the show and continue to work alongside our three local YFC’s – Lisnamurrican, Glarryford and Ahoghill. The County Competitions continue on the Friday evening with the Inter Club Tug of War and It’s a Knockout competitions being held on the Saturday afternoon with prize money being allocated to the winning clubs. These always encourage a great competitive spirit among all clubs with the emphasis being very much on having fun!
The organising committee are very much interested in attracting more visitors and entertainment for all the family is always at the forefront. Robert reminded all that gates on the Friday night will open at 4pm with a fun dog show being held around 6pm and the NISSA sheep shearing competition continuing. Food Demonstrations will be held on both the Friday and Saturday promoting healthy meals using locally sourced produce. Saturday events will continue with exhibits, entertainment and amusements.
All schedules are now in circulation and entries can be made online.
Ballymena Show is held at Ballymena Showgrounds on Friday 26th May from 4pm and Saturday 27th May from 9am – for more information and a timetable of events check us out online at www.ballymenashow.co.uk or join us on facebook. Alternatively you can contact the show office by email on secretary@ballymenashow.co.uk
