All you need to know about the 2026 Balmoral Show

The Balmoral Show returns on Wednesday at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.

With thousands of animals on display and 500 trade stands, the 157th edition of the show is the culmination of months of hard work by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society.

Over the course of four days visitors can watch livestock competitions, taste the finest food and Northern Irish produce or simply enjoy a family day out.

Here's everything you need to know about this year's event.

More than 3,500 animals will be on display over the course of the show.

Although there will not be any poultry competitions this year because of bird flu restrictions, there will be countless cattle, sheep, pig and horse competitions, not to mention the guinea pigs and rabbits.

Organisers say while competitive poulty classes cannot go ahead this year, there will be a small display of birds from a single flock.

It is the fourth time in five years the classes have been cancelled.

There will be international showjumping competitions, sheep shearing and plenty of catering vendors.

Visitors can also witness the heart-stopping tricks of the freestyle motocross Bolddog FMX team twice a day every day.

In a big change this year there won't be a printed map or timetable leaflets. Instead all the information on classes, trade stands and amenities will be available on the new Balmoral Show app.

The Balmoral Show takes place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre at Lisburn's Balmoral Park.

It runs over four days from Wednesday 13 May to Saturday 16 May and opens at 09:30 BST each day.

It closes at 19:00 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. On Saturday it will close at 18:00.

Those travelling to the event are encouraged to make use of public transport.

If you are travelling by train, the nearest station is at Lisburn which is less than 15 minutes away from the event.

A free shuttle service will run from the station to the showgrounds, operating regularly throughout the day.

The first shuttle bus will leave the train station at 09:00 each morning with the final returning service departing the showgrounds at the show's closing time.

Passengers are advised to allow 30-45 minutes transfer time when returning from the show.

By car:

• From the west and north west: Take the M1 to junction eight and follow the signs
• From Lisburn: Take the Moira Road out of Lisburn and follow the signs
• From Belfast and the north east: Travel south on the M1, coming off at Sprucefield and follow signs to Balmoral Park
• From the south: Take the A1 dual carriageway and follow the signs

Car parking is available on site for £10 per car each day, which must be paid by cash on arrival.

Organisers have warned there will be queues arriving and leaving the showgrounds at peak times.

The Balmoral Show operates a strict no dogs policy with the exception of those taking part in displays or verified assistance dogs.

Tickets must be bought online in advance and cannot be purchased at the gate.

Bookings can be made for school and hospital groups, while children under five go free.

Early bird ticket prices are available until Tuesday at 22:00.

BBC Radio Ulster's Your Place and Mine will have a special outside broadcast from the Balmoral Show.

Presenter Eve Blair, alongside the Your Farm and Mine podcast, will go behind the scenes bringing listeners the sights, sounds and stories from the heart of the show.