Balmoral Show 2020 cancelled

by Gráinne Connolly

Northern Ireland's largest agri-food event, the Balmoral Show has been cancelled for 2020 due to coronavirus. 

Organisers, The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) in partnership with Ulster Bank made the announcement today. 

Dr Alan Crowe, RUAS Chief Executive said, “It is with deep regret that the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) has taken the decision to cancel the 2020 Balmoral Show, scheduled to take place from Wednesday 18th August to Saturday 22nd August 2020.

“Please be assured that we did not come to this decision lightly, however after several meetings and the exploration of all alternative options, it became clear that we would have been unable to run the 2020 Show on the rearranged August dates during these unprecedented times.

“We understand that this news will be disappointing to many, however as the global Covid-19 pandemic endures, we believe that as a Society, we have an obligation to protect the health and wellbeing of all our staff, members, competitors, visitors, volunteers, trade exhibitors, sponsors, contractors and suppliers" 

Dr Crowe continued, "As Northern Ireland’s largest agri-food event with over 120,000 visitors each year, we are aware of the time, money and hard work put into attending the Show by livestock exhibitors, competitors, sponsors, trade stands and suppliers.

"With many local farmers, businesses and visitors facing financial uncertainty at present, we feel that everything is stacked against us in trying to run a Show in August.

“Moving forward, the RUAS will continue to take great pride in supporting and showcasing our local farming community and we plan to return next year with a Balmoral Show stronger than ever.”

The 152nd Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank will now take place from Wednesday 12th May to Saturday 15th May 2021 at Balmoral Park, Lisburn.