Newry Show enters a new era in its long and illustrious history

“This year’s event will be a true celebration of farming and food,” he said.

“Obviously, we will have the much acclaimed catalogue of livestock competition classes. But adding a new and exciting dimension to this year’s show will be the Food Court Marquee. This will showcase an exciting range of produce from a large number of artisan food companies.

“Many of these start-up businesses hail from the Newry catchment area. The marquee will also be the venue for a number of exciting cookery demonstrations, which will take place throughout the day of the show.”

He added:

“All of this is particularly fitting, given that 2016 has been dedicated as the Year of Food and Drink for Northern Ireland.”

Other attractions at this year’s event include fashion shows, live music to suit all tastes, dog competitions and numerous other events, all designed to make for a perfect family day out.

“C & J’s Animal Farm, is well worth looking out for,” Brian commented.

“This unique attraction features a selection of exotic birds and animals, including snakes and some pretty scary spiders. They, certainly, caught the eye at the recent sponsors’ evening.

“A model aircraft flying display will take place in the main arena twice on the Saturday afternoon. This plans to be pretty special. Special thanks must go to members of Banbridge Aeromodelling Club for making this happen.

“It goes without saying that the Home Industries marquee will be a hive of activity throughout the day of the show. This year it will feature a craft fair, horticultural exhibition, a children’s section plus all the other attractions that make home industries such a success every year.”

Brian confirmed that Newry Q Radio will be broadcasting live at this year’s show from noon to 3pm.

“Prior to this Big ‘O’ will be on the Q Radio stage between 11.00am and 12.00 noon,” he added.”

“Live country music will also feature on the stage throughout the day. We are particularly keen to show case new talent. So anyone with a yearning to get up on stage, please get in touch.”

Brian drew particular attention to the fashion shows, planned for this year’s event.

“All of this has been organised with the participation of Berling of Newry and Moorhead’s of Bessbrook. A big thank you must go to both businesses. The fashion shows will take place in the Food Court Marquee throughout the day,” he said.

“And for those looking for something entirely different, there will be a more than competitive tug-of-war competition taking place throughout the afternoon in the main arena.”

Brian continued:

“I would also like to commend the support of the management at Newry’s Canal Court Hotel. They are providing complimentary tickets for this year’s event to everyone staying with them over the show weekend.

“We really have put together a wonderful day out for the entire family. But there is also a serious side to this year’s event.

“Newry Show Society will be supporting the invaluable work carried out by three charities: the Northern Ireland Brain Foundation; Northern Ireland Dog Rescue and the Southern Hospice.

“So to all show potential visitors, can I just add: please come along and help us support them.”

Speaking at the recent sponsors’ evening Newry Agricultural Show Society Chairman Kyle Henry said:

“Farming and food remain at the very heart of our rural way of life,” he said.

“And all of our local shows play a key role in providing a shop window for agriculture in Northern Ireland. But they also represent a tremendous coming together of our rural communities. Without the tremendous voluntary effort put in by countless numbers of people, they just would not take place.

“And Newry Show is no different in this regard. Large numbers of people come together of their own volition each year to make it happen. And it is this solidarity which represents the fundamental message of hope for our farming and food industries moving forward.

“We are extending a warm invitation to everyone living in the Newry, Dundalk, South Down and Armagh areas to come and join us on the day.”

This year’s Newry Show takes place at Rugby Football Club Grounds, Telford Park, Hilltown Road, Newry on Saturday 25th June 2016.

For further information, please visit the event website: www.newryshow.co.uk, where all schedules can now be downloaded. Alternatively, contact the show organisers on 07808 803306.

There are still Trade, Craft fair and Food Producer spaces available to book via the website.