The renewed sponsorship deal will see Ulster Bank continue its close association with the agri-food event through to 2028, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to the local farming community and wider rural economy.

Taking place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn from 13^th to 16^th May 2026, this year’s show promises an exciting programme of competitions, entertainment plus food and farming showcases. Visitors can look forward to a range of new attractions, including a stunt display show from Bolddog FMX in the main arena, a revamped horticulture area, and the usual mix of family entertainment and livestock events designed to inspire the next generation of farmers and food producers.

Looking ahead to the event, RUAS Group Operations Director Rhonda Geary said preparations were already well underway for another outstanding show.

“As always, the show is a celebration of the very best of our local agri-food industry, and we are continually growing and evolving to ensure there is something new and exciting to see whether you are a longstanding visitor or coming to the show for the first time,” she said.

“We are delighted to welcome Ulster Bank back on board as our principal sponsor. Their long-term support has been integral to the success and growth of the event, and this new three-year agreement underlines the strength of that partnership.”

Cormac McKervey, Senior Agriculture Manager at Ulster Bank, added: “2026 will be Ulster Bank’s 18^th year as principal sponsor of the Balmoral Show and we are proud to continue our longstanding association with the event.

“The agri-food sector is a significant contributor to the overall economy here and supporting farmers, growers and rural businesses, remains a key priority for us.

“Through our specialist agriculture teams and tailored financial solutions, we are committed to helping the industry meet challenges and plan for growth in what is an ever-evolving sector. The Balmoral Show provides a unique platform for us to connect with the farming community, celebrate success and highlight our network of expertise. We are pleased to extend our partnership with the RUAS and to play our part in making the 2026 show another memorable event.”

The Balmoral Show remains Northern Ireland’s largest annual agri-food event, attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year and providing an unrivalled showcase for livestock, machinery, food, horticulture and rural life.

Further announcements on competitions, attractions and ticket sales for Balmoral Show 2026 will be made in the coming months. For more information, visit www.balmoralshow.co.uk

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SPAR NI’s Big Reds, the Stetson hats that could be seen from arenas to food halls and pig pens to tractor displays, were available throughout four days of the Show in exchange for a donation, every penny of which goes towards Marie Curie and Cancer Fund for Children.

It was the 14^th year of SPAR NI’s platinum sponsorship of Balmoral Show, highlighting their unrivalled links to the farming and agri-business communities across Northern Ireland, alongside their commitment to local food sourcing.

“This year’s Balmoral Show was an incredible success. We had sunshine, sampling and celebrations of our local food suppliers throughout the four days, alongside a very busy SPAR shop,” said Bronagh Luke, from SPAR NI.

“Once again, visitors to the Show were so generous in supporting our Big Red campaign to fundraise for SPAR NI’s charity partner, Marie Curie, and EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA NI’s charity partner, Cancer Fund for Children.”

The funds raised will go towards the ever-growing total that has been raised for both charities. In the coming months, SPAR NI hopes to surpass the £1,000,000 mark for Marie Curie, while EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA NI have donated almost £2 million to Cancer Fund for Children since the partnership began in 2011.

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Retail food expert, Scott Annan speaks to NR and reveals why Northern Ireland independent retailers are world-class, and Dr Terry Maguire outlines how the current financial crisis in community pharmacy has developed.

Find out about the unique co-operative business spreading happiness in Lisburn and we have all the details of this year’s 155th Balmoral Show.

Elsewhere, we have an exclusive feature on renowned Magherafelt store, JC Stewarts with store manager Andrew Scott telling us all about their recent refurb; and we catch up with McKay Family Butchers, a north coast mainstay of almost 50 years.

There is also a chance to get your entry in for this year’s Neighbourhood Retailer Awards , as well as all the latest news and information affecting the grocery industry.

READ THESE EXCLUSIVE ARTICLES AND MUCH MORE IN THE APRIL ISSUE BY CLICKING HERE

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Providing support of £170,000, the programme helps raise the profile of quality regional food and is run by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Applications are invited from not-for-profit groups and regional development agencies, as well as registered charities.

Welcoming the opening of the programme, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said it was an important funding programme for the food and drink sector.

“The programme encourages collaboration between all sectors and representative bodies within the local food industry through financial support to help showcase quality regional food,” said Mr Muir MLA.

“Last year, the programme provided funding to a range of projects including the Food Pavilion at Balmoral Show where over 100 food and drink producers from across NI were able to showcase and sell their produce.

“The food and drinks sector in Northern Ireland has so much to give and I will continue to support the delivery of high quality, high impact projects that will raise the profile of local quality produce.”

Applications are now open for projects taking place from 1^st May 2024 to 31^st March 2025 and must be submitted by 4pm on Monday 15^th April 2024. Awards will be subject to budget availability.

Application forms can be downloaded from the DAERA website: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/northern-ireland-regional-food-programme

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The Big Red Stetsons from SPAR were handed out in exchange for a donation towards both Marie Curie and Cancer Fund for Children, which resulted in an incredible £18,000 raised over the four days, to be shared between the organisations.

Paddy Doody, Sales and Marketing Director at Henderson Group commented; “SPAR’s Big Red Stetsons have become iconic at Balmoral Park, and we’re delighted because it means all those generous visitors have helped us raise some amazing funds for our very deserving charity partners.

“Balmoral Show was a huge success for SPAR this year. We welcomed thousands of visitors to the SPAR Marquee to sample some delicious Enjoy Local and The CHEF products, all made in collaboration with local food suppliers and farmers in Northern Ireland.

“We explored the science behind food tasting with W5 with experiments and quizzes for all the family and also sponsored the Children’s Farm and Healthy Horticultural Village, giving visitors a real hands-on experience with farm animals and a chance to learn more about their role in sustaining fields and farms where our favourite local produce is grown.

“We loved being back at Balmoral Show at full throttle this year and look forward to doing it all again next year!”

The post Big Reds dial up the donations for Marie Curie and Cancer Fund for Children at Balmoral Show first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.