NI Alpacas to put on a show in Co. Tyrone

Alpaca owners and keen crafters from across Northern Ireland will be ‘alpacaing up’ their trailers as they head to Co Tyrone for a very special event organised by the Northern Ireland Alpaca Group (NIAG).

An official branch of the British Alpaca Society (BAS) the local group is a focal point for alpaca owners scattered across the Province, from the Ards Peninsula to the foothills of the Mournes and the stunning Clogher Valley.

On Sunday, November 5, its members will converge on the Ecclesville Centre, Fintona, for the Group’s second annual halter show event.

Alpacas are prized for their fine, soft fleece, which has natural thermodynamic properties and is hypoallergenic. Alpaca yarn is also used to make fine knitwear and suiting fabric, which has graced the catwalks of many couture designers.

All roads head to Fintona for this special alpaca event

Breeders strive to produce animals with optimal conformation as well as high quality fleece that is ultra-fine with natural crimp and lustre. During the upcoming show, BAS judge Julia Corrigan-Stuart will be appraising the cream of NI’s alpaca crop as local owners compete for rosettes across a range of alpaca categories.

This year for the first time, the event will also have a craft show element – where creations made from alpaca fleece – from knitwear to felted sculptures – will also be judged.

And as with last year’s event, a busy showing schedule will be accompanied by a fabulous craft fair, with a whole range of local retailers and makers showcasing their wares – a perfect opportunity to get that festive shopping underway while supporting small!

The event takes place on Sunday, November 5 from 11am-4pm, admission is FREE and everyone is welcome!