Agricultural show described as ‘the perfect family day out’

Last year’s Newry Show was one of the area’s top highlights of 2025, with many referring to it as being ‘the perfect family day out’.

The sun shone, the site was resplendent, while the turnout of livestock, trade exhibitors and other attractions combined to deliver a tremendous day’s fun and excitement for the many thousands of people that made Newry Show such a success.

There was a tremendous turnout of sponsors, invited guests and society members for the official launch of Newry Show 2026.

placeholder image — There was a tremendous turnout of sponsors, invited guests and society members for the official launch of Newry Show 2026.

“We will be delivering the same fun-filled package of excitement in 2026,” confirmed Newry Agricultural Show Society chairman, Brian Lockhart.

“This year’s show takes place on Saturday, June 27 and it really is all systems go at this stage. Our venue remains the same; the grounds at 12-18 Derrywilligan Road in Bessbrook.”

Attending the launch of Newry Show 2026 l to r: Chloe Kyle, United Feeds; Councillor Geraldine Kearns, Deputy Chair, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Brian Lockhart, Chairman, Newry Show Society and Robyn Harpur, Mountnorris Young Farmers' Club.

Newry Agricultural Society held its first Newry Show in 1869 and has been providing an annual agricultural event ever since. The show is traditionally held on the last Saturday of every June.

“The records show that we will be celebrating our 156th show this year,” Brian continued.

“And the event continues to thrive. The aim now is to build on all of this for the future.”

Newry Show provides a perfect platform for the farming and food sectors that are so important to the economy and the community of the South Down/Armagh catchment area.

Chatting at the launch of Newry Show 2026 l to r: Mark Forsythe, Danske Bank; Gail Toal, NFU Mutual Insurance Company; Councillor Geraldine Kearns, Deputy Chair, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Brian Lockhart, Chairman, Newry Show Society and Albert McCarragher, Fane Valley.

“People from all walks of life want to know about farming and the way the food they consume is produced,” said Brian.

“Events like Newry Show take place in Northern Ireland throughout the summer months. It would be impossible to put a value on the amount of positive publicity for our farming and food sectors that all these events manage to generate.

“All the local shows must be fully supported into the future, in a very meaningful way. Our commitment is truly delivering the objectives set for farming and food in Northern Ireland by bodies, including the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, all the local councils, and the myriad promotional bodies that have been established across the various food sectors.”

No public event can survive without sponsorship and the chairman explained: “We have received tremendous support from the local business community and many commercial organisations and operations across the farming and food space.

“I would like to particularly thank the support received form Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in this regard, while our key sponsors this year are Share Energy.” A host of other sponsors are listed on the show website: www.newryagrishow.com

Organisers say Newry Show has something for everyone. Competitions will be held in categories including: cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, goats, pygmy goats, home industries, horticulture and the popular dog show.

Entertainment on the day will be provided by: the Commons Silver Band, DJ Sammy, the Dixieland Jazz Band and Two Step.

Newry Show traditionally partners with a local charity support on an annual basis. The worthy grouping selected for 2026 is Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland.