Balmoral Show


The Balmoral Show is Northern Ireland's largest agri-food event. 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.

History

Formed in 1854, the North East Agricultural Association of Ireland held the first shows at Belfast Corporation Markets between 1855 and 1895. In 1872, the first three-day show was held in Ormeau Park in association with the Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland.
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.
The King's Hall, Belfast opened its doors at the Balmoral site in 1934.

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.
In 2018, the RUAS celebrated the 150th Balmoral Show.