The Ballymoney Show May 31st and June 1st

This year’s show will get off to a start on Friday, opening to the public at 2.30pm.

It’s all action for equestrian lovers commencing at 3pm with Local Pony Ridden Classes followed by Pony and Hunter Breeding Classes and then at 4pm the Unaffiliated Pony and Horse Jumping run by The Route Hunt Branch of the Pony Club.

Both these classes will commence at the published times with entries to be taken on the field from 2.30pm. Additionally the North West Working Hunter Pony & Horse competitions commence at 5pm, again with entries being taken on the field.

Please remember all entries for these classes are now taken on the day and 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 6pm 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 the 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 on Saturday morning.

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 7pm.

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 – also, our roving Magician will be walking among the crowds wowing you with his tricks - entertainment 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, June 1st with participants requested to assemble at the Showgrounds at 7pm with a view to setting off at 7.30pm around the route.  The Private Drive, over a four mile route, starts at the Showgrounds, heads out the Macfin Road, along to Balnamore and then returning 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 Country Music Star Alastair Coyles and some line dancing to get your toe tappin’ – 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

12 noon.

On stage we have a repeat performance from our talented Irish Dancers, in the morning, and then at 1pm we have the return of Country Music Star Alastair Coyles. Also to help keep those kiddies entertained, our Puppet Show will be back at 12 noon and 2.30pm along with balloon modelling as well!

Highlight of the day will be our Grand Prize Winners Parade which will get underway at approximately 2.30pm. First will be the Horses, followed by the Cattle and Goats, and after the Parade is the Special Heavy Horse turnout for pairs with twin axle farm wagon or commercial vehicle in which a short parade of town will follow.

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.

Above all the cream of Ulster’s Livestock will be on display – Horses, Ponies, Pedigree Cattle, Sheep, Goats and 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, and over 1000 entries from local children in the School’s Section.

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 year’s show!

Be sure to check out next weeks press for our essential ‘What’s On Guide’.