Maze venue for all new agri-show

Speaking at the show’s launch this week, Chairman, Crosby Cleland, said: “We will be utilising the facilities that have been prepared for this year’s Balmoral Show.

“With the help of lots of people we have organised what promises to be a tremendous family day out.

“This is a totally new event for the Lisburn area, so I would like to call on livestock breeders and potential trade exhibitors to join us and participate fully on the day.”

Mr Cleland highlighted the special features for schools at the new show.

“There is a tremendous opportunity for schools and individual children to compete at the show through participation in our wide range of home industry and craft classes,” he stressed.

“This year’s event is also aligned with this year’s ‘Open Farm Weekend’ initiative.

“So, why not join us at the Maze on Saturday June 15 and then visit an actual farm the following day?”

Lisburn City Mayor, Alderman William Leathem, attended this week’s launch event.

He commented: “The Council is delighted to have the opportunity of joining forces with Saintfield Show Society in this way.

“The Show is an entirely new event for the Lisburn area and promises to bring a tremendous degree of colour and excitement to Balmoral Park on June 15.

“It is an event for all the family and I would heartily encourage as many people as possible to come along on the day.”

Mr Cleland added: “I would like to commend RUAS President John Bamber and his management and our Vice-Chairman Bill McKelvey for the vision they have shown in bringing this new event to Balmoral Park. This year’s event will add a new dimension to the agricultural show season in Northern Ireland with the new site playing a crucial role in this regard.”

“We have a number of important firsts organised for 2013, one of which is dressage. And again, the availability of the sand arena at Balmoral Park will help make all of this so much more exciting.”

Sections catalogued for this year’s Lisburn and Saintfield District Show include Home Industries, Poultry, Horses, Ponies, Miniature Horses, Donkeys, Agricultural Horses, Carriage Driving, Cattle, Sheep and Goats. Competitors come from province wide and in particular the Home Industries section attracts entries from local schoolchildren.

“The Show is a fun family day out for spectators and competitors alike,” said Mr Cleland.

“We will be releasing further details regarding the new Lisburn and Saintfield District Show over the coming weeks, but I cannot stress strongly enough the tremendous support and enthusiasm received by the organising committee to date from a wide range of organisations, most notably Lisburn City Council and the RUAS.”

Further information on Lisburn and Saintfield District Show is available from Show Secretary, Mrs Shelley Quinn - Tel: 07821 588 390. [email protected], www.saintfieldshow.co.uk