The sun shone, the site was resplendent while the turnout of livestock, trade exhibitors and other attractions combined to deliver a tremendous day’s fun and excitement for the many thousands of people that made Newry Show such a success.
“And we will be delivering the same fun-filled package of excitement in 2026,” confirmed Newry Agricultural Show Society chairman, Brian Lockhart.
“This year’s show takes place on Saturday, June 27th. And it really is all systems go at this stage.
“Our venue remains the same: grounds at 12 to 18 Derrywilliagan Road, Bessbrook.”
Newry Agricultural society held its first Newry show in 1869 and has been providing an annual agricultural show ever since. The event is traditionally held on the last Saturday of June.
“The records show that we will be celebrating our 156th show this year,” Brian continued. “And the event continues to thrive. We took four years, as a consequence of the Covid pandemic. However, Newry Show returned in 2023 to a rapturous reception from people throughout our entire catchment area.
“The aim now is to build on all of this for the future.”
Farming and food showcase
Newry Show provides a perfect platform for the farming and food sectors that are so important to the economy and community of the South Down/Armagh catchment area.
Brian Lockhart again: “People from all walks of life want to know about farming and the way they food consume is produced.
“Newry Show provides them with an almost touch: feel experience in this context.”
He added: “Events like Newry Show take place in Northern Ireland throughout the summer months.
“It would be impossible to put a value on the amount of positive publicity for our farming and food sectors, which all these events manage to generate.
“All the local shows must be fully supported into the future. In a very meaningful way.
“Our commitment is truly delivering the objectives set for farming and food in Northern Ireland by bodies, including the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, all the local councils and the myriad promotional bodies that have been established across the various food sectors.”
Sponsorship
No public event can survive without sponsorship and Newry Show is no different in this regard.
Brian Lockhart explained: “We have received tremendous support from the local business community and many commercial organisations operations across the farming and food space.
“I would like to particularly thank the support received form Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in this regard.
“Our key sponsors this year include: Share Energy
“It is so heartening to secure such a significant level of commercial support on an annual basis. On behalf of the entire membership of Newry Show Society, I would like to sincerely thank all our sponsors for 2026.”
He continued: “Running any scale of public event in 2026 brings with it a high degree of cost. And this is especially the case when working on green field site.”
A host of other sponsors are listed on the Newry Show website: www.newryagrishow.com
Newry Show has something for everyone
Competitions will be held across the following schedules at Newry Show 2026: cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, goats, pygmy goats, children, home industries, horticulture and the ever popular dog show.
Entertainment on the day will be provided by: the Commons’ Silver Band, DJ Sammy, the Dixieland Jazz Band and Two Step.
The sun has also been asked, very politely, to make a strong appearance on the day. He answered the call ‘big time’ last year. So let’s hope that history will repeat itself in 2024.
Official Charity for 2026: Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland
Newry Show traditionally partners with a local charity support on an annual basis. The very worthy grouping selected for 2026 is Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland’.
Brian Lockhart explained: “We are very proud to announce that the chosen charity for Newry Agricultural Show 2026 is Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland.”
“This is a unique charity providing much needed support for those impacted by Pulmonary Fibrosis.”
He concluded: “In the meantime, all our plans are fast falling into place for our big event on Saturday, June 27th.
“Everyone will be made more than welcome on the big day.”
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There was a tremendous turnout of sponsors, invited guests and Society members for the official launch of Newry Show 2026 Photo: freelance
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Enjoying the launch of Newry Show 2026 l to r: Brendan Durkan, Newry Show Committee; Eva Winter, Newry Show Committee; Councillor Geraldine Kearns, Deputy Chair, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Brian Lockhart, Chairman, Newry Show Society Photo: freelance
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Chatting at the launch of Newry Show 2026 l to r: Mark Forsythe, Danske Bank; Gail Toal, NFU Mutual Insurance Company; Councillor Geraldine Kearns, Deputy Chair, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Brian Lockhart, Chairman, Newry Show Society and Albert McCarragher, Fane Valley Photo: freelance
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Attending the launch of Newry Show 2026 l to r: Chloe Kyle, United Feeds; Councillor Geraldine Kearns, Deputy Chair, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Brian Lockhart, Chairman, Newry Show Society and Robyn Harpur, Mountnorris Young Farmers' Club Photo: freelance