Antrim Show promises to be Bigger and Better
ANTRIM Agricultural Society has announced plans for an exciting 106th annual show to be held again at the scenic Shane’s Castle Estate, Antrim on Saturday, July 28.
Full details of plans were announced to sponsors at the press launch night hosted by the Mayor of Antrim, Councillor Paul Michael.
The Chairman of Antrim Agricultural Society, James Clements, welcomed sponsors, advertisers, stewards and directors and thanked all for their invaluable help and support both prior to and during the event.
He expressed a particular welcome to the Mayor who represented Antrim Borough Council and thanked the council for their continued valued support for this local event.
He also expressed special thanks to Lord O’Neill and all of the staff of Shane’s Castle Estate who provide the scenic show location.
James commented: “Our theme this year is “Bigger and Better” as we aim to build on the huge success of last year’s event. So far the indications would support that aim as our list of sponsors and trade stands has grown by over 10% so far and entries in livestock and produce sections are at this stage well ahead of this time last year.
“We took the decision early on this year to provide good lively entertainment for the crowds as well as all the usual show events by inviting Hugo Duncan and friends to entertain their many local fans.”
Mayor Paul Michael said: “Antrim Borough Council is delighted to support the Antrim Show, which is one of the highlights of the events calendar in Antrim. It attracts visitors from far and wide and is the perfect opportunity to showcase our beautiful Borough. I would like to wish the organisers every success for the event.”
Show Secretary John Herron added: “Plans are progressing well for this event which already looks likely to top last year’s record event.
“We realise that the whole rural family turns out for local shows so we try to cater for a wide range of tastes and interests. Most people who attend a show think livestock, but ours will have much, much more to offer.
“The cattle show will be headed by a very strong dairy section. As usual, the Ayrshires will be prominent at Antrim with very strong classes representing a full spectrum of the breed and we again have the final of the NISA/McLarnons Dairy Championship. In addition we will have the full range of beef breeds and Rare and Minority breeds will also feature strongly in both cattle and sheep classes. A number of classes feature qualifiers and collect points for wider national competitions.
“Our cattle and sheep committees have engaged an interesting array of specialist judges from right across the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland and recruited new sponsors including Cookstown Dairy Services,S H Coleman, Glarryford, Ian McWhirter,Glarryford and Millar Woodcraft, Randalstown.
“As usual we are indebted to the 2 banks - Northern and Ulster – who will support our livestock championships.
As always we plan to attract the top sheep in the province across all breeds.. A major coup for our sheep team has been the continuation of the Zermax/McCaughan Northern Ireland Shearling Ewe Championship with qualifiers at nine local shows and the final at Antrim with a substantial prize fund. Ulster Bank have increased their major involvement in the show by pledging a new award for each of the 18 sheep breed champions
“The pig and goat sections were a huge success last year and we plan to consolidate both this year.Sponsors include Donnelly Bros Motors, Ballymena Meats and First Trust Bank.
“Our site has plenty of space which allows us to feature a full range of equestrian events and exhibits. This year we are again concentrating on expansion of our show-jumping events with another strong prize fund with new sponsors including Donnelly Bros Motors and NIBC Ltd,Antrim. (this includes £1,000 prize fund for the Grand Prix)This should lead to strong competition and a high standard of jumping.
“We will have all the other equestrian classes ranging from heavy horses to ponies and miniature horses. New sponsors supporting our equine classes include Horse First, Newry,Botanica and Training Solutions, Antrim.
“The biggest entry is always the home industries section. We will aim to strengthen this aspect of the show with the continuation of our Gourmet Food Village which is supported this year by new sponsors Bank of Ireland. This will take the form of exhibits and sales in a specialist marquee which will be adjacent to a food preparation demonstration unit. This unit will mount regular displays of food preparation during the day featuring quality local food. We also plan to run an awareness event for the local catering, hotel and guest house trade in conjunction with Good Food NI and the NI Tourist Board.
“The Home Industries marquees will feature a superb array of exhibits of food, drinks, horticultural produce and craftwork. This will be produced and displayed by the general public, local schools and Young Farmer’s Clubs. As usual we will be hosting the YFC County games and are delighted that the local Tesco Superstore in Antrim have agreed to support the YFC activities as well as providing prizes in the Horticulture and Home Industries sections.Other new sponsors in Home Industries include Pollyanna Giftware, Templepatrick, B Craig Giftware, Ballyclare, Craigs Food,Randalstown and Factory Craft Shop, Ballymena.
“A number of novelty events are planned including the Children’s Pet Show, vintage vehicles and “How to have Fun with your Dog”, a dog agility and performance display. A full range of side shows and attractions will aim to cater for kids of all ages.
“Trade stand and advertising space is still available but is filling up rapidly. Copies of all trade stand details and application forms as well as livestock schedules and entry forms can be obtained by email from antrimshowsec@hotmail.com or by phoning John Herron on 07899746542.The website www.antrimshow.com will allow schedules and entry forms to be downloaded.
Copies of the Home Industries section schedule and entry forms can be obtained from Gale Anderson by email to gale.afs@btinternet.com or by phoning 07808736862.”
Closing date for all entries will be June 30.
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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