Balmoral Show – Where There’s MORE Than Meets the Eye Northern Ireland’s largest agri-food event is back
Balmoral Show – Where There’s MORE Than Meets the Eye
Northern Ireland’s largest agri-food event is back and ready to help everyone see MOREthan they ever have before. The 157th Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, will return to the Eikon Exhibition Centre from Wednesday 13th to Saturday 16th May 2026.
Wednesday 13th May – 9.30am – 7.00pm Thursday 14th May – 9.30am – 7.00pm Friday 15th May – 9.30am – 7.00pm Saturday 16th May – 9.30am – 6.00pm
As always, the Show is sure to be bustling with families, foodies, and farmers as they come together to celebrate award-winning livestock and mouth-watering local food and drink, not to mention a host of family-friendly entertainment across the packed programme.
Featuring twice daily in the SPAR Main Arena timetable this year will be the Bolddog FMX team. With the UK’s top-ranked freestyle motocross riders in the ring, alongside their onboard commentary, there’s sure to be heart-stopping thrills and tricks that will have spectators on the edge of their seats.
This year, they’ll be complemented by an array of show jumping classes, including the Show’s revamped high-stakes international show jumping competitions and the Pony Cub Games, alongside the return of the Farm Cart and Agricultural Vehicles class to help bring the heritage of these wonderful animals to a whole new audience.
Show organisers are also delighted to announce that the revamped Horticulture Hub will be one of the shining lights of this year’s Show, as it encompasses the very best of fresh, local produce and outdoor living. Thanks to its own timetable of demonstrations and cookery classes, not to mention kids’ sensory trail, potting table, entertainment and heritage crafts, this section of the showgrounds should be on everyone’s itinerary.
Balmoral is renowned as a fantastic day out for families, and the Children’s Area is always a hive of activity. Located beside the Poultry and Rabbit Pavilion, the Kidz Farm will host an array of farmyard and exotic animals, providing endless learning opportunities for everyone.
The Glenarm Castle Mini Land Rover Experience, sponsored by SPAR, will be back to help future farmers get into the driving seat and explore a bespoke adventure trail alongside their parents. For older children, there will be a climbing wall to challenge even the most adventurous visitors. The Children’s Area also hosts a dedicated sensory activity zone, designed to help younger guests enjoy a more relaxed day out while exploring a variety of wellbeing activities.
In the Cattle Rings this year, renowned ambassador and sheepdog trainer James P. McGee from Donegal will captivate spectators as he demonstrates the skill of herding sheep, working in perfect partnership with his trusted dog. The Sustainability Village, powered by Start Solar, will return to showcase the latest in green innovation, while enthusiastic shoppers can enjoy browsing hundreds of stands, including the ever-popular Makers’ Market and the Eikon Shopping Village.
For those who thrive off the Balmoral buzz, the Sheep Shearing Fold is the place to be as this year it hosts the Six Nations Blade Shearing Championships. With England, France, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all heading to the stage they’ll be counting on crowd support to help them shear their way to victory.
For food enthusiasts, the Show wouldn’t be complete without the tantalising tastes of the NI Food & Drink Pavilion as well as the catering areas across the showgrounds. From mini tasters to food on the go, you’re sure to get a sweet treat or savoury snack to remember.
The NI Food & Drink Pavilion also proudly hosts cooking demonstrations throughout the Show for budget and family-friendly meal inspiration, so don’t forget to nip in and check them out.
As always, animals and agriculture form the beating heart of the Balmoral Show, and visitors can expect to see over 3,500 head of livestock across the highly competitive classes. The calibre and quality of entries year on year is a testament to the exceptional quality of local produce in Northern Ireland and the competitive spirit only adds to the excitement across the showgrounds.
This year, Show organisers have taken further steps to enhance the event’s sustainability efforts. These include the introduction of additional water refill stations and the use of reusable plastic cups in public bars, provided by Horatio Group, to help reduce single-use waste. In line with the Show’s commitment to lowering its environmental impact, printed maps and timetables will no longer be produced. Instead, visitors are encouraged to download the new Balmoral Show app before their visit, which provides all the information they need — including an interactive map, the full event programme and important event updates — helping to reduce paper usage while improving the visitor experience.
Rhonda Geary, RUAS Group Operations Director, commented, “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Eikon Exhibition Centre for the 2026 Balmoral Show in just a few weeks. This year, we encourage all visitors to experience MORE of what the Show has to offer. Be that world-class entertainment, award-winning livestock, spell-binding show jumping or delicious cookery demos, the Balmoral Show has it all. We’re so excited once again to celebrate our proud agri-food industry with you all and the people who work tirelessly to make it all possible.”
This year’s Balmoral Show will take place from Wednesday 13th to Saturday 16th May at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn. Come along and join us, whether you’re from the city or countryside, a first-time visitor or repeat show-goer, we hope to see you there. All tickets must be purchased online at www.balmoralshow.co.uk, and under-5s go free.
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To find out more about the 2026 Balmoral Show, download the new Balmoral Show app and follow on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Wednesday 13th May – 9.30am – 7.00pm Thursday 14th May – 9.30am – 7.00pm Friday 15th May – 9.30am – 7.00pm Saturday 16th May – 9.30am – 6.00pm
𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰:
𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠? Follow our Public Route Map & signage from the M1 & A1 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧? Selected Translink & Enterprise services will make additional stops 𝐁𝐮𝐬? Free shuttle from Lisburn Train Station starts at 9:00am with the final returning shuttle bus departing the Showgrounds at Show closing time.
Last chance to 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬: www.balmoralshow.co.uk/buy-tickets