Balmoral Show
The Balmoral Show is Northern Ireland's largest agri-food event[1]. It takes place in Balmoral Park, Lisburn each May.
Sponsored by Ulster Bank, it typically includes showjumping competitions, motorcycle displays, bands, shopping, tasting, a children's farm, and displays of falconry, pedigree horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs and goats.[2]
History
Formed in 1854, the North East Agricultural Association of Ireland held the first shows at Belfast Corporation Markets between 1855 and 1895.[3] In 1872, the first three-day show was held in Ormeau Park in association with the Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland.[4]
In 1894, the showgrounds at Balmoral were purchased and works were completed in time for the opening of the yearly Annual Show, subsequently renamed the Balmoral Show, on 30 June 1896.[5]
The King's Hall, Belfast opened its doors at the Balmoral site in 1934.
There were cancellations in 1915 to 1918, 1940 to 1945 & 2020.
Move to Balmoral Park
In 2012, RUAS members voted to purchase and relocate the show to the site of the former HM Prison Maze, near Sprucefield, in Lisburn.[6]
In 2018, the RUAS celebrated the 150th Balmoral Show.[7]
References
- ^ McKeown, Gareth. "Balmoral Show set to be 'bigger than ever' on 150th anniversary". The Irish News. Retrieved 2018-05-16.
- ^ "Balmoral show, accessed 17/5/13". Archived from the original on 2013-05-11. Retrieved 2013-05-17.
- ^ "150th Show". RUAS. May 16, 2018. Archived from the original on May 17, 2018. Retrieved May 16, 2018.
- ^ "History of the Balmoral Show". Belfast Telegraph. May 10, 2010. Retrieved May 16, 2018.
- ^ "History". Eikon Exhibition Centre. Retrieved May 16, 2018.
- ^ Cassidy, Martin (2013-05-15). "Pioneering spirit marks Maze move". BBC News. Retrieved 2018-05-16.
- ^ McKeown, Gareth. "Balmoral Show set to be 'bigger than ever' on 150th anniversary". The Irish News. Retrieved 2018-05-16.