'Country comes to Town' at this year's Ballymoney Show

Entries for these classes will be taken on the day. Due to the large number of entries last year we recommend you get there early!

There's a chance for anyone to have an entry at Ballymoney Show with our Annual Pet Show, which is open to any pet, costs nothing to enter and will commence at 6.00pm sharp. Last year we had cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and puppies too- so go ahead bring your pet – if you love him hopefully our judge might think so too!

Next up on the agenda for Friday night is the Companion Dog Show held under Kennel Club Rules & Regulations. This will commence at 6.30pm. There will be Novelty Classes, Pedigree Classes and Obedience Classes.

We are very pleased to welcome the young girls from JML School of Irish Dancing. Having attended many festivals, they are no stranger to entertaining big audiences - so there'll be plenty of fancy footwork to be seen. You can see the girls on stage both on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.

Once again we have the N.I. YFC Football competition, with upwards on 40 teams competing for the coveted titles in three sections – Girls Open, Under 18 Boys and Over 18 Boys. You can come and view the talent pitch side as the competition gets underway at 7.00pm.

A big hit with all the kids (and some big kids too) we're having a Magic Show and a Puppet Show taking place at 7.30pm & 8.30pm on the Friday night – watch out for the 'baddie' in the puppet show though, he always found 'BEHIND YOU'. Definitely two shows not to be missed!

With all that going on you'd think there'll be little time for anything else, but we've also got the Private Drive for horses and ponies with carriages and road carts, which has proved to be very popular in recent years. It is again scheduled for Friday evening, 4th of June starting at 7.00pm. The Private Drive, over a three mile route, starts at Market Street, close to McElderry's and goes down Main Street to Milltown, along to Balnamore and then on to the Showgrounds. Drivers are reminded that there is no charge for entry and for further information should contact the stewards, Stephen Nicholl or Wilson Linton.

Finally of course, don't forget the hotly contended Tug-O-War competition which will get underway around 9.30pm and will still be pulling strong at dark!

If sitting back and relaxing is more your style, we have a full evenings programme of entertainment lined up on stage throughout the night – including the Topp Line Dancers, so there'll be something for everyone.

On Saturday the serious business of judging continues in earnest with judges travelling from all over the British Isles to judge the premium of livestock in our Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Poultry, Horses & Ponies Sections.

If you're not too exhausted from Friday night there's a great line up of events and attractions for all ages on Saturday too.

We have the return of the ever-popular Bonnie Baby Competition. This year's competition has various sections for babies from birth to 4 years of age, with lots of prizes up for grabs. So make sure you're there a good 30 minutes early to place your entry, as judging will get underway at 11.30am.

On stage we have a repeat performance from our talented Irish Dancers, in the afternoon we have Harpur's Hill Steel Band and to help keep those kiddies entertained, our Puppet Show will be back at 12 noon and 2pm along with balloon modelling as well!

Highlight of the day will be our two parades:- Parade of Prize Winning Horses and Ponies at 1.30pm and then Prize Winning Cattle at 3.00pm.

As in previous years we will have lots more going on besides, including a full to bursting craft marquee, face painting and don't forget to bring the kids along to see our small animal tent, where they can get up close and personal with the animal of their choice. Naturally we continue have our usual sideshows with pony rides, bouncy castle, mini quads and fair ground amusements.

Don't forget our 'Grab A Grand' Competition where one lucky winner has the opportunity to walk away with 1000 in cash – draw will take place on Saturday – so be sure to get your ticket in good time – they're selling fast!

Above all the cream of Ulster's Livestock will be on display – Horses, Ponies, Pedigree Cattle, Sheep, Goats & Poultry. We have a tremendous entry this year in all sections, and are delighted that Horse, Pony and Goats entries are all increased from previous years. Also a great display in Home Industries, Craft and Home Baking, with over 1000 entries from 12 different Primary Schools.

We are hoping to see big crowds of folk from the surrounding area to celebrate the ongoing success of our local rural show. So pack the family in the car and make a big day out of it – you'll find something to amuse all ages at this years show!

Be sure to check out next weeks press for our essential 'What's On Guide'